Rx Note

Introduction The intranasal route has been exploited for the management of localized symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis, nasal congestion and nasal infection, as well as for the delivery of drugs to the systemic circulation . In 2019, FDA approves Spravato (esketamine) nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression. NOTE: Although intranasal drug delivery for systemic activity avoids hepatic first-pass metabolism of oral route and may be associated with rapid absorption and onset of action, it is limited by Small delivery volumes, therefore potent drugs are required. Mucociliary clearance and/or barrier by mucus decrease absorption of some drugs Enzymatic activity (pseudo first-pass effect) Low epithelial permeability for hydrophilic drugs; absorption enhances and/or large doses are required. Drug Delivery Currently, delivery devices are usually metered-dose manual pump sprays , because they are cheap, robust and reliable, but more sophisticated systems are now under develop...

Introduction An enteral feeding tube (EFT) provides a means of maintaining nutritional intake when oral intake is inadequate or when there is restricted access to the gastrointestinal tract , e.g. owing to obstruction. It is also increasingly being used as a route for drug administration. Types of Feeding Tubes The type of feeding tube used will vary depending on the intended duration of feeding and the part of the GI tract the feed needs to be delivered to. Nasoenteric tubes are used for short- to medium-term feeding (days to weeks), whereas Ostomy tubes are used for long-term feeding (months to years) Enteral Feeding Tubes The external diameter of the feeding tube is measured in French unit (Fr) where 1 Fr = 0.33 mm. Small bore tubes may be between 5-12 French. Large bore tubes are those which measure more than 14 French. Enteral feeding tubes are made up of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PUR), silicone or latex. Silicone and latex tubes are softer and more flexible than po...