Abstract
A jejunostomy is the establishment of an opening into the jejunum through the wall of the abdomen. A jejunostomy tube provides a route by which patients can receive enteral nutrition directly into the jejunum. It also provides a convenient route for the administration of medication when the patient is unable to take drugs orally. However, there are no drugs licensed for intrajejunal administration available in the UK, and the clinician should identify other routes of administration for which there are licensed products available wherever possible. Furthermore, due to the lack of research in this area, little data is available regarding the influence of enteral feeds on drug absorption. This, together with the fact that there may be altered gastro-intestinal motility, may mean that plasma drug levels are unpredictable. Hence it is recommended that clinical response is monitored and plasma drug levels measured where appropriate.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 10+13-14+16-17 |
| Journal | British Journal of Intensive Care |
| Volume | 4 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| State | Published - 1994 |
| Externally published | Yes |