Administration of Medication through Nasogastric Tube

Medications are administered via a

nasogastric tube to patients who have
impaired swallowing, are comatose or
have a disorder of the esophagus.
Whenever possible, the liquid form of a
drug should be used for NG administration.
If it is necessary to used a tablet or
capsule, the tablet should be crushed or
the capsule pulled apart, and the powder
sprinkled in approximately 30 ml of water.
Note: DO NOT crush enteric-coated
tablets or time-release capsules.

Pre-procedure
The tube should be flushed with at least 30 mL
of water before the medicine is administered.
This serves to clear the tube for drug delivery,
facilitates drug transport to the intestine and
indicated whether the tube is cleared.
Perform pre-medication assessment. See
individual monographs for details.
After preparing the medication, elevate the
clients head 30-45 degrees to avoid
aspiration.

 Before administering the medication, the

nurse must check the placement of the
nasogastric tube. Check for the patency of
the tube.
Check the patients identification and drug
for verification.
Explain carefully to the patient what you
are going to do; include the drug name
and provide education about the drugs
you are to administer.

Intra-procedure
The previously prepared medication can be
administered through a syringe barrel connected to
the tubing.
Hold the barrel of the syringe approximately 6
inches higher than the client's nose and allow the
medication to flow to the stomach by gravity.
If it is hard to get the medication flowing, gently
insert the plunger or bulb into the syringe. When
the medication begins to flow, remove the plunger
or bulb and allow the medication to flow in by
gravity.

 If the client has more than one medication,

flush the tube with 5-30 mL of warm water
to clear the tubing and prevent cloggin
between medication.

Post-procedure
The administration of medication is followed by a
small amount of fluid. 20-25 mL for children and
30-35 mL for adults.
The tube is clamped for about 20-30 minutes, it is
necessary otherwise, the medication that had just
been administered would be withdrawn from the
stomach by the suction apparatus and tubing.
The clients head should remain elevated for 2030 minutes following instillation of the medication

Dos and Donts

All crushed tablets should be used as soon
as possible.
Avoid mixing drugs with enteral formula.
Do not administer bulk-forming laxatives
through NGT as obstruction of the tube is
likely to occur.

Video Presentation

References
Clayton, B., Stock, Y., Cooper, S. (2010).
Basic Pharmacology for Nurses.
Philippines. Elsevier (Singapore) Pte Ltd.
Broyles, B., Reiss, B., Evans M., (2007).
Pharmacological Aspects of Nursing Care.
New York, USA. Thomson Delmar Learning.