Evaluation of the profile of drug therapy administered through enteral feeding tube in a general hospital in Rio de Janeiro

Enteral nutrition (EN) is the method of choice for patients that cannot adequately receive oral feeding despite good gastrointestinal tract condition. Enteral diets may be administered through tube or ostomy placed in the stomach, duodenum or jejunum. The administration of drugs via enteral feeding tube (EFT) is a common practice in hospitals due to patient clinical status, and requires special attention from professionals involved in this process. This study entailed an analysis of the profile of drug therapy through EFT based on evaluation of medical prescriptions of the Medical Clinic of the Hospital dos Servidores do Estado (HSE) of Rio de Janeiro sent to the Pharmacy Service between January and June 2007, according to standard protocols in place. Prescription of drugs via EFT outside recommended guidelines was observed, besides potential drug-nutrient incompatibilities associated with this practice. These results point to the need for improvement of enteral route access and the adoption of measures to promote safe and effective use of drugs and nutritional therapy.