Objective: To detect potential complications and interactions between drugs and enteral nutrition (EN) as to describe the interventions carried out by the pharmacist in those circumstances and to propose strategies of improvement.
Method: Prospective assessment of patients admitted to hospital candidates to receive EN. The pharmacist worked as part of the team of Endocrinology and Nutrition for one month. A data collection form was designed for the study in which the following information had to be recorded: NE indications, nutrition characteristics (type, route of administration, infusion rate), pharmacological therapy, drug/EN interaction and complications.
Results: The study included 14 patients (mean age of 50 +/- 13 years) in which digestive (35.7%) and neurological (28.6%) complications were the most frequent indications for EN. Eleven patients (78.57%) reported complications associated to EN, mostly digestive (57.14%). The main cause for consultation was related to the administration of drugs via NGT (nasogastric tube). A total of 77 drugs were prescribed, 23 of which were administered in this way, so a guidelines for the administration of drugs via nasogastric tube was prepared.
Conclusions: The hospital pharmacist can actively cooperate with nutritional support units, given the need to assess the nutritional support administered and to manage potential complications and interactions between nutritional status, drugs and artificial nutrition. The pharmacist also plays a significant role in the prevention and identification of problems related to the administration of drugs via NGT.