A pharmacist can give advice on giving medication via an enteral feeding tube.

Procedure:

  1. Wash hands well
  2. Stop the feed and flush with water (for adults a minimum 30ml is recommended; for children this may be less)
  3. Check with pharmacist whether a rest from feeding is required before giving the medications (for example with Phenytoin, Penicillins)
  4. Collect together all the equipment required to administer the medication. Each medicine should be given separately
  5. Soluble tablets should be dissolved in 10-15ml water
  6. Liquid medication - shake the bottle well and dilute viscous liquids with an equal amount of water immediately before administration
  7. Tablets - uncoated and sugar-coated ones should be crushed using a tablet crusher and added to 10-15ml water. Suspensions may have to be made for less-soluble tablets
  8. Capsules - open and tip powder into medicine pot and mix with 10-15ml water
  9. Administer medication using a 60ml enteral syringe
  10. Rinse out tablet crushers / medicine pots with water and flush washings down the tube to ensure the whole dose is given
  11. If more than one medication is being given flush the enteral feeding tube between medicines with a minimum of 10ml water or as recommended by your dietitian/nurse
  12. Once all medications are given, flush the feeding tube with at least 30ml water (or as advised by the dietitian)
  13. Check whether a break from feeding is required after the medication has been given
  14. Re-start the feed.

Do not crush or open the following and seek advice from a pharmacist or doctor:

  • Enteric coated medicines
  • Modified release medicines
  • Hormone Preparations
  • Cytotoxic drugs

Medication Interactions

Certain medications and nutrients can and do interact with each other. Always give medication doses during feeding rest periods where possible. The pharmacist will be able to advise you on timings of medication.

If you would like this information in another format, for example large print or easy read, or if you need help communicating with us, please contact:

First Community (Head Office)

Call: 01737 775450 Email:    fchc.enquiries@nhs.net    Text: 07814 639034

Address: First Community Health and Care, Consort House, 5-7 Queensway, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1YB.

For office use only: Version 4 GU_TS003 Publication date: May 2026