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Background In palliative contexts antibiotics are important when considering symptom control and maintaining quality of life during infections (Radbruch, Pestinger, Muller, et al. Eur J Palliat Care. 2006;13(1):5-9). In this context, parenteral access can be challenging (Roubaud-Baudron, Forestier, Fraisse, et al. Age Ageing. 2017;46(1):151-155). The subcutaneous route [SC] is a promising alternative offering ease-of-use and fewer serious complications.Aims To review the current literature on the use of SC antibiotics in palliative care, and to examine the use of SC antibiotics at the inpatient unit, Marie Curie Hospice, Cardiff and the Vale to explore tolerability and effectiveness of antibiotics via this route.Methods An electronic search of four databases was conducted to find published articles based on SC delivery of antibiotics. Electronic patient records were analysed to isolate patients that had received SC antibiotics. Patient data was anonymised, and key trends were analysed including patient factors, antibiotic factors, adverse reactions [ARs] and clinical resolution.Results 21 articles were analysed. Overall, SC antibiotics were well tolerated across the literature. Commonly reported local ARs included pain, erythema, and oedema (Jumpertz, Guilhaumou, Million, et al. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2023;78(1):1-7). No serious ARs were documented in any of the included primary research articles. Regarding pharmacokinetic [PK] profiles, SC antibiotics took longer to reach maximum concentration compared to IV. However, SC antibiotics often spent longer above MIC compared to IV, this is beneficial for ‘time-dependent’ antibiotics, such as β-lactams (Hernández-Ruiz, Forestier, Gavazzi, et al. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2021;22(1):50-55.e6). Seven patients with suspected infection who had received a course of SC antibiotics (Tazocin (86%) and Ertapenem (14%)) were included. Only 1 of 7 patients (14%) experienced local ARs of pain and oedema. No serious ARs were reported. Resolution of infection was documented in 3 of 7 patients (43%).Conclusion The SC route offers a promising alternative method for delivering ‘time-dependent’ antibiotic therapies. It is well tolerated with few serious ARs. PK profiles of this method may improve dosing regimens and cost-effectiveness. However, further research is required as this route is off license.