Hospital Pharmacist
Vol 10 No 5 p190
May 2003

News summary

Related websites
BAPEN: Drug Administration via Enteral Feeding Tubes (more)
Enteral Nutrition links (more)

Guidance on drug administration via enteral feeding tubes from BAPEN

Guidance on administering drugs via enteral feeding tubes was launched by the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (BAPEN) at a symposium at the Middlesex Hospital, London on 30 April.

The use of drugs unlicensed for enteral administration was discussed at the symposium by Rebecca White, lead pharmacist for surgery, gastroenterology and nutrition at the Middlesex Hospital, London and colleague Dr Alastair Forbes. Ms White told Hospital Pharmacist that there was a trend for saying "it's not licensed, don't use it" but pointed out that this approach may not be in the patient's best interest, and urged pharmacists to "think around the problem and take responsibility for the drugs they supply."

Dr Forbes commented that about 80 per cent of his prescribing for use in enteral tubes was unlicensed, due to the specialist nature of the area, and due to the limiting licence conditions. He obtained comfort from the practice of peers.

The BAPEN resource has been endorsed by Professor David Cousins, head of Safe Medication Agency National Patient Safety Agency, who said: "The NPSA welcomes this resource because it brings together information concerning the appropriate use of enteral feeding equipment and techniques in a concise way, and is tailored to the needs of staff who will be using it. By highlighting the risks associated with administering drugs via feeding tubes and providing health care staff with the right information at the right time, it should help to ensure safer care for patients receiving this treatment."

The information is available from BAPEN by telephoning 01527 457850 or faxing 01527 458718.