Authors

José María Pérez Valenzuela, Eva María Naranjo Fabra, Susana Naranjo Fabra

Position

Enfermero/a de la Unidad de Oncología-Paliativos del Hospital General, Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz).

Contact address

Eva María Naranjo Fabra. C/ Turquía, 9. 11406 Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz).

Contact email: evafabra@hotmail.com

Abstract

The subcutaneous route is an advantageous alternative, though not much used, for the administration of medications and its use can benefit many patients by improving their quality of life. It consists in the introduction of drugs into the subcutaneous tissue and the main advantages of the subcutaneous route is especially evident in the care of patients with chronic or terminal illnesses, and a method that facilitates control of symptoms both in the hospital and at home, increasing patient´s autonomy and comfort. These advantages can be summarized in that the subcuta­neous route is fast-acting, allowing the introduction of fluids into the subcutaneous tissue in an abundant amount and a continuous and intermittent infusion of medication, it is easily accessible  and user-friendly in that the administration of the injection is simple and easily handled by the patient, it is not painful, presents few complications, and avoids frequent punctures, also enabling the administration of different drugs. The only contraindication to the use of this route is only generalized edema and only relatively skin erythema, dermatitis and psoriasis.

Keywords:

chronic disease; palliative care; quality of lifesubcutaneous route

Versión en Español

Título:

La vía subcutánea como alternativa para la administración de medicamentos