Can medication be administered via a PEG?

Only certain medications can be administered via a PEG. Medication that is available as a liquid, suspension or syrup is suitable. Certain medications can be crushed in a “mortar” and dissolved in a liquid. Once the medication has been completely dissolved in water (“re-suspension”), this liquid (with the medication it contains) can be administered via the PEG.

It is important that all medication is administered separately (one after the other) via the PEG tube. The PEG tube must be rinsed with water (or tea) between medications. Mixing the medications (e.g. by crushing them together) or mixing the dissolved medication liquids should be avoided at all costs, as mixing can lead to undesirable drug interactions.

The administration of medication via the PEG (in any case in liquid form) must be checked and authorized by the attending physician or a pharmacist. It should be noted that certain medications (e.g. medications in capsule or slow-release form) cannot be administered via the PEG under any circumstances. In this case, the medication must be switched to a different dosage form or to a completely different medication (with identical or comparable objectives).