When administering medications through enteral tubes, what is the ideal form of medication?

When administering medications through enteral tubes, the ideal form of medication is liquids whenever possible. This is because liquid medications can be easily delivered through the tube without the risk of clogging, which can occur with solid forms like tablets or gel capsules. Liquid formulations are also typically easier to absorb and are more rapidly available for therapeutic action in the body.

In contrast, tablets may not dissolve completely when introduced into the enteral system, which could lead to blockages in the tube. Gel capsules can also pose a problem; they may not dissolve effectively and might similarly result in clogs. Suspensions can be administered, but they often require careful shaking and measuring to ensure the correct dose is delivered, and they may not always be practical. Therefore, using liquid medications is the most efficient and safest practice for enteral tube administration.