Syringe Driver Survey Database migration to MedicinesComplete - January 2023

Syringe Driver Survey Database has moved to MedicinesComplete and is no longer available on palliativedrugs.com.

It has been renamed to PCF’s Syringe Driver Database and is now accessed through Drug Compatibility Checker.

Drug Compatibility Checker, through MedicinesComplete is a new tool providing essential compatibility knowledge to support the administration of injectable drugs combining published data and clinical practice reports.

Find out more about Drug Compatibility Checker:https://about.medicinescomplete.com/publication/drug-compatibility-checker/

If you have a subscription to Palliative Care Formulary through MedicinesComplete, you will have access to PCF’s Syringe Driver Database through Drug Compatibility Checker, at no charge through 2023. 

To contribute to PCF’s Syringe Driver Database please continue to submit a clinical practice report using palliativedrugs.com here: https://www.palliativedrugs.com/syringe-driver-database.html

To learn more about a subscription to the Palliative Care Formulary through MedicinesComplete, please contact us here: https://info.medicinescomplete.com/sales

If you have any questions regarding access to PCF’s Syringe Driver Database or would like to renew your subscription to Palliative Care Formulary, please contact pharmpress-support@rpharms.com.

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Codeine restricted use in children

26th June 2013

The MHRA have restricted the use of codeine in children following the results of a European safety review (see our news item 16-10-2012). Codeine is now contraindicated in:

• all children age 0–18 years who undergo tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy (or both) for obstructive sleep apnoea
• all patients of any age known to be CYP2D6 ultra-rapid metabolisers.

In addition:

• codeine should only be used to relieve acute moderate pain in children older than 12 years and only if it cannot be relieved by other painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen alone. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 240mg taken in divided doses up to four times a day at intervals of no less than 6 hours. It should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest period and for a maximum of 3 days
• codeine is not recommended for use in children whose breathing might be compromised, including those with: neuromuscular disorders; severe cardiac or respiratory conditions; upper respiratory or lung infections; multiple trauma; or extensive surgical procedures. Morphine toxicity may be increased in these settings
• codeine should not be used by breastfeeding mothers because of potential harm to the baby via the breast milk.

The regulatory authorities in the USA and Canada have issued similar restrictions and warnings.

MHRA advice

FDA advice

Health Canada advice