Table 1

Medication management

PatientLevel of consciousness prior to withdrawalDrugs used via infusion
(on day of withdrawal)
Total given via bolus subcutaneously
(on day of withdrawal)
AUnresponsiveMorphine 10 mg/24 hours
Midazolam 10 mg/24 hours
Morphine 1×5 mg
Midazolam 1×5 mg
BResponsive to voiceMorphine 10 mg/24 hours
Midazolam 10 mg/24 hours
Morphine 1×2.5 mg, 3×5 mg
Midazolam 1×2.5 mg, 1×5 mg, 2×15 mg
CResponsive to voiceMorphine 10 mg/24 hours
Midazolam 30 mg/24 hours
Morphine none
Midazolam 4×5 mg
DFully conscious with capacityMorphine 30 mg/24 hours
Midazolam 40 mg/24 hours
Morphine 3×10 mg
Midazolam 10×10 mg
EResponsive to painMorphine 15 mg/hour
Midazolam 10 mg/hour
Morphine 2×2.5 mg
Midazolam 2×2.5 mg
FFully conscious with capacityMorphine 30 mg/24 hours
Midazolam 30 mg/24 hours
Morphine 3×5 mg, 3×10 mg
Midazolam 3×10 mg, 3×10 mg