Table 1.

Common symptoms and prescribed injectable anticipatory medications in the UK

Symptom	Common injectable anticipatory medications that are prescribed	Drug class	Common side effects [14,15]
Pain/breathlessness	Morphine sulphate	Strong opioid	Nausea and vomiting; drowsiness; unsteadiness; confusion; constipation; dry mouth; itchiness or rash
	Diamorphine	Strong opioid
	Oxycodone	Strong opioid
Nausea and vomiting	Cyclizine	Anti-emetic	Drowsiness; headache; fatigue; dizziness; nervousness; dry mouth
	Haloperidol	Antipsychotic (used as an anti-emetic in low doses)	Agitation; headache; insomnia; muscle spasm; dizziness; drowsiness;
	Levomepromazine	Antipsychotic (used as an anti-emetic in low doses)	Drowsiness; weakness; postural hypotension; dry mouth
Agitation/restlessness	Midazolam	Benzodiazepine	Headache; drowsiness; over-sedation; cough; nausea and vomiting; hiccups
	Levomepromazine	Antipsychotic	See levomepromazine above: side effects more likely as higher doses are given for agitation or delirium
	Haloperidol	Antipsychotic	See haloperidol above: side effects more likely as higher doses are given for agitation or delirium
Noisy respiratory secretions	Glycopyrronium bromide	Antimuscarinic	Visual problems; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; flushing; headaches; palpitations; fast heart rate
	Hyoscine butylbromide (Buscopan™)	Antimuscarinic	See glycopyrronium bromide
	Hyoscine hydrobromide	Antimuscarinic	See glycopyrronium bromide