The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 279 No 7459 p27
7 July 2007

Evidence-based handbook on drug administration via enteral feeding tubes

‘Handbook of drug administration via enteral feeding tubes’, by Rebecca White and Vicky Bradnam. Pp 592. Price £39.95. London: Pharmaceutical Press; 2006. ISBN 0 85369 648 9

This useful publication has been produced by the authors on behalf of the British Pharmaceutical Nutrition Group. Introductory chapters provide background information on topics such as types of enteral feeding tubes, care of tubes and review of drug regimens and formulation choices.

There is also a chapter highlighting some of the complex legal and professional issues surrounding the administration of drugs via enteral feeding tubes. Most of the handbook, however, comprises an A to Z series of drug monographs providing detailed information to assist in choosing a safe method of administering drugs via intragastric or intrajejunal routes.

A major strength of this handbook, particularly compared with other reference sources on this topic, is the extensive efforts of the authors to ensure the evidence-based nature of the information provided. Most advice is referenced, with the BPNG conducting in-house research where none was available. Although some of the information within the monographs would be available elsewhere, the authors have collated and interpreted the data succinctly.

Although the handbook is not exhaustive, all commonly used drugs (and information on multiple brands) are included resulting in a BNF-sized text. Hopefully, regular review of the handbook will take place to incorporate new drugs, brands and formulations to maintain its accuracy.

This handbook will be of benefit to pharmacists and other health professionals involved in caring for patients receiving medicines via enteral feeding tubes in both primary and secondary care. Although the cost may preclude this being provided to individual pharmacists, departments should consider this an essential addition to their references.


Nicola Ward
(senior clinical pharmacist, surgery, at Leicester Royal Infirmary)