6.1.4. Pharmaceutical aspects in enteral feeding and drugs

The main factors to be considered upon co-administration of drugs wiith tube feeding are presented. The pharmaceutical aspects and properties of the drug formulation, the nutrient and the feeding tube (dimesno, location, and material) are the most important issues to check for potential incompatibilities and for the therapeutic efficacy and safety of the combined nutrient and drug treatment. Therefore, pharmaceutical advice from the NST is needed. Complications, such as occlusion of the tube, should be considered preventable medication errors. A careful evaluation and stepwise approach presented in an algorithm allow for the definition of good practices for administering necessary drugs in tube-fed patients.