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Nutritional support

Enteral feeds

Brand names: various — Fresubin, Nutrison, Ensure, Jevity

Enteral feeds are nutritionally complete or supplementary liquid formulations delivered into the gastrointestinal tract, used to meet nutritional requirements when oral intake is inadequate or unsafe.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

They provide energy, protein, electrolytes, vitamins and trace elements in an absorbable form delivered orally or via a feeding tube, maintaining nutrition and gut integrity.

Prescribing in practice

  • In severely malnourished or starved patients, beware refeeding syndrome and introduce feeding cautiously with electrolyte (especially phosphate, potassium and magnesium) monitoring and thiamine supplementation.
  • Formula choice should match the patient's clinical condition, route of access and requirements, ideally guided by a dietitian and nutrition support team.
  • Confirm correct feeding tube position before use and manage tube-related complications such as aspiration, displacement and blockage.

Monitoring

Monitor weight, hydration, electrolytes, blood glucose and tolerance (bloating, diarrhoea, aspiration), with intensified biochemical monitoring during initiation in those at refeeding risk.

Counselling the patient

  • Sit upright during and after feeding to reduce the risk of aspiration.
  • Flush the tube as advised to prevent blockage and report any tube displacement, leakage or persistent diarrhoea.

Evidence & guidelines

Use of enteral nutrition in patients who cannot meet needs orally is supported by NICE guidance on nutrition support in adults.

Reference: NICE CG32; NICE NG189; BAPEN; NPSA NG tube alert; Confirm identity and dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC) and NICE. Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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