Pharmaceutical assistance in the enteral administration of drugs: choosing the appropriate pharmaceutical formulation

Abstract

Objective: To study solid medications for oral delivery on the formulary of Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein (HIAE), investigating the possibility of using these drugs through enteral feeding tubes, and recommending appropriate administration. Methods: Study carried out through survey of solid medications for oral delivery included on the formulary of HIAE, literature review, and analysis of medication monographs, manufacturer information and pharmacotechnical data of active ingredients and excipients. It was observed the factors that might hinder or complicate the administration of these drugs though enteral tubes, and was drawn an information chart with recommendations about drug administration in this context. Rresults: The study evaluated 234 medications; and the main problems of administering these drugs through enteral feeding tubes were as follows: changes in drug pharmacokinetics (38); gastrointestinal damage (9); risk of obstruction (40), drug-nutrient interactions (7); biological hazards (5) and no information (33). Cconclusions: Compiling this information helps the healthcare team to choose the appropriate pharmaceutical formulation for medications administered through enteral tubes, and may help identify adverse events related to this technique.

Keywords

• Pharmaceutical preparations/administration & dosage
• Drug administration routes