Análise da Prescrição de Medicamentos Orais para Pacientes com Sonda Enteral em um Hospital Filantrópico no Médio Vale do Itajaí em Santa Catarina

Abstract

Enteral nutrition tubes are commonly used not only for nutritional support but also as an alternative route for the administration of oral medications. However, this practice may involve significant risks due to inappropriate pharmaceutical forms and the need for prior manipulation before administration. This study aimed to analyze the prescription of oral medications for administration via enteral feeding tube in critically ill patients admitted to Intensive Care Units of a philanthropic hospital in the Médio Vale do Itajaí region, Brazil. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted between February and April 2025. A total of 53 prescriptions were evaluated, of which 75.5% included oral medications, totaling 121 prescriptions for 48 different drugs. Most medications prescribed belonged to the nervous system group, with a predominance of solid dosage forms (81%), especially plain and coated tablets. Considerable variability in drug solubility was observed, which may affect the effectiveness of tube administration. Furthermore, 18 medications had more appropriate standardized alternatives, such as injectable forms and oral solutions. The findings highlight the importance of pharmaceutical care in assessing prescription viability and suggesting safer substitutions. Institutional protocols and training of the multidisciplinary team are essential to ensure safe and effective drug therapy via enteral feeding tubes.