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Enzymes, Juice, and Soda Unable to Clear Clogged Tubes – Tuesday Tube Facts

Did you know…?

Of 9 solutions to clear clogged feeding tubes in one study, none were able to restore patency within 4 hours.[1]

The solutions were 6 different enzymes, cranberry juice, soda, and distilled water. More than 4 hours without a functioning feeding tube may impact a patient’s health.[1]

References:

  1. Nicholson U. Declogging small-bore feeding tubes. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr 1987;11:594-7.

Acidic Fluids May Coagulate or Thicken Clogs – Tuesday Tube Facts

Did you know…?

The use of acidic liquids to clear a clogged feeding tube may make the problem worse.[1,2]

Enteral feeding proteins coagulate or thicken in an acidic environment.[1,2]

References:

  1. Dandeles LM, Lodolce AE. Efficacy of agents to prevent and treat enteral feeding tube clogs. Ann Pharmacother. 2011;45:676-680.
  2. Williams NT.Medication administration through enteral feeding tubes. Am J Health-Syst Pharm. 2008;65:2347-2357.

Cola May Damage Feeding Tubes – Tuesday Tube Facts

Cola May Damage Feeding Tubes – Tuesday Tube Facts

Using cola to declog a feeding tube may cause damage to the tube itself.*

It can also worsen or create future clogs.*

* Dandeles, Lauren M. and Lodolee, Amy E. “Efficacy of Agents to Prevent and Treat Enteral Feeding Tube Clogs.” The Annals of Pharmacotherapy. 2011; 45:676-680.