Final answer:
When administering enteric-coated medication, it is important to consider the pharmacokinetics and the effect of food on drug absorption, choose the correct formulation for the desired drug exposure, and understand the patient's physical and medical history to optimize dosage and route of administration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Considerations for Administering Enteric-Coated Medications
Enteric-coated medications are specially formulated to pass through the stomach undigested and to dissolve in the intestines. This can be critical when the medication itself can be irritating to the stomach lining or when it is intended to act within the intestinal tract. When considering administering enteric-coated medications, it is essential to investigate the food effect on pharmacokinetics. This includes understanding how the presence of food in the stomach can alter the drug's absorption and effectiveness. In addition, it is necessary to select the best formulation to ensure the desired drug exposure and therapeutic effects.
The pharmacokinetics and tolerability of the medication could change based on whether it is extended-release, as is the case with certain formulations of gabapentin enacarbil, or immediate-release. Evaluating these factors in healthy volunteers is important to provide confidence that the predicted drug effects are achievable via the oral route. In some instances, such as with vomiting or intubation, oral administration is not feasible, and parenteral routes may be considered. However, these usually require a healthcare setting.
Determining the dosage and route of administration should take into account the patient's mass, medical history, liver and kidney function, potential for food interactions, and a drug's metabolism and elimination from the body. Medical foods administered enterically for patients unable to eat by mouth, such as those who are comatose, emphasize the importance of considering the mode of nutrition or drug delivery.