[Simultaneous administration of drugs and artificial nutrition: practical aspects]

Most patients on artificial nutrition, both parenteral or enteral, are also taking drugs. This means that factors covering pharmacokinetic, physico-chemical (stability) and mechanical (use of tubes) considerations have to be taken into account. Description of the pharmacokinetic processes of drugs and the influence of the nutritive state, nutrients and drugs on these processes. The simultaneous administration of drugs and Parenteral Nutrition may be done in two ways: by adding the drugs to the Parenteral Nutrient Units (PNU) and by administering the drugs using "Y equipment". The adding of drugs to PNU is mainly indicated in patients with restricted liquid intake, restricted venous access, patients subject to parenteral nutrition at home and the administering of drugs by continuous perfusion. With regard to enteral nutrition, factors such as the administration method, approach and galenic properties of the preparations should be taken into account.