Monograph Layout

Each drug monograph should be read in conjunction with the notes on administration (General Guidance). The monographs are laid out as follows:-

Presentation
The available formulation presentations for each drug are listed at the start of each monograph. The presence of the formulations here does not indicate that they are suitable for administration to patients with enteral feeding tubes or swallowing difficulties, but is merely a guide to what is available.
Some formulations may be unlicensed "specials available only at some centres, and sometimes having to be ordered in on a named patient basis.

Administration - enteral tubes / swallowing difficulties
Some monographs have a combined administration section, when the guidance for patients with enteral feeding tubes can equally be applied to patients with swallowing difficulties.

Administration - enteral tubes
Some monographs have a separate section with specific guidance on how to administer via enteral feeding tubes.

Administration - swallowing difficulties
Some monographs have a separate section with specific guidance on how to administer to patients with swallowing difficulties.

Administration - NG / PEG tubes / swallowing difficulties
Where method of administration differs depending on whether the drug is delivered to the stomach or the jejunum, separate instructions are given.

Administration - NJ / PEJ / PEGJ tubes
Where method of administration differs depending on whether the drug is delivered to the stomach or the jejunum, separate instructions are given.

Clinical guidance
This important section lists any clinical problems which may commonly occur when medications are administered via enteral feeding tubes, or formulations are altered for patients with swallowing difficulties. It also indicates any monitoring which may be required (in addition, or more frequently, than would usually be the case).

Feed guidance
This section lists any known interactions with feeds (other than standard before / after food guidance which is commonly given with the listed medication), and any feeding breaks which may be advised when a patient is receiving the monograph medication.