Factors Contributing to Diarrhea Following Administration by Enteral Feeding Tube

Factors contributing to diarrhea:

(1) medication with high osmolarity

(2) presence of sorbitol, mannitol or other poorly absorbed osmotic agent

(3) gluten in a patient with celiac disease

(4) gastrointestinal motility agent

Differential diagnosis:

(1) infectious diarrhea

(2) other diarrheal disease

Management:

(1) A liquid medication that is hyperosmolar should be diluted (usually with sterile water) prior to administration.

(2) The amount of sorbitol or other osmotic agent should be determined and reduced to a tolerable level.

(3) Gluten-free medications may benefit a patient with celiac disease.