ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to understand how to set up a Graseby syringe driver. Diamorphine is the opioid of choice in this situation. Since it is three times more potent than oral morphine, the correct dose would be one third of her present daily oral morphine dose, i.e. 20 mg diamorphine in 24 hours. Many other drugs have been shown that they can be safely and effectively given by the subcutaneous infusion route: cyclizine, dexamethasone, haloperidol, hyoscine butylbromide, hyoscine hydrobromide, ketamine, midazolam, metoclopramide and octreotide. Plastic IV cannulae are better tolerated and last longer than metal butterfly needles. Plastic cannula also significantly reduce the risk of needle-stick injuries to staff. Ideally use plastic IV cannulae without a side port, e.g. Insyte. The cannula and infusion site are often covered with OpSite or similar.
