Enteral Formulas
Enteral formulas are specialized liquid nutrition preparations containing macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, fats), micronutrients (vitamins, minerals), and water. They are designed for patients with a functioning gastrointestinal tract who are unable to meet their nutritional requirements through conventional oral intake due to conditions like dysphagia, severe illness, surgery, or malabsorption. Formulas can be polymeric (standard), elemental (predigested), or disease-specific.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosage must be highly individualized based on the patient's age, metabolic demands, clinical status, and fluid tolerance. Always consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian. Standard formulas typically provide 1.0 to 2.0 kcal/mL. Rates and volumes should be advanced slowly to avoid intolerance or refeeding syndrome.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 110-150 mL/kg/day (approx. 330-750 mL/day of standard 20 kcal/oz infant formula)
- Frequency
- Divided into 8-12 feedings per day, or continuous infusion
- Tracking Notes
- Requires strict medical supervision and specialized infant or neonatal enteral formulas.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 100-120 mL/kg/day (approx. 500-840 mL/day)
- Frequency
- Divided into 6-8 feedings per day, or continuous infusion
- Tracking Notes
- Adjust caloric density (e.g., 0.67 to 1.0 kcal/mL) based on growth and fluid tolerance.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 90-100 mL/kg/day (approx. 720-1000 mL/day)
- Frequency
- Divided into 4-6 feedings per day, or continuous infusion
- Tracking Notes
- Transition to pediatric-specific formulas (typically 1.0 kcal/mL) is often indicated.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 80-90 mL/kg/day (approx. 880-1350 mL/day)
- Frequency
- Divided into 4-6 feedings or continuous overnight infusion
- Tracking Notes
- Monitor closely for abdominal distention, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 70-80 mL/kg/day (approx. 1120-1600 mL/day)
- Frequency
- Divided into 3-5 feedings or continuous infusion
- Tracking Notes
- Ensure adequate additional free water flushes are administered to maintain hydration status.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 110-150 mL/kg/day (approx. 330-750 mL/day of standard 20 kcal/oz infant formula) | Divided into 8-12 feedings per day, or continuous infusion | Requires strict medical supervision and specialized infant or neonatal enteral formulas. |
| 5-7 kg | 100-120 mL/kg/day (approx. 500-840 mL/day) | Divided into 6-8 feedings per day, or continuous infusion | Adjust caloric density (e.g., 0.67 to 1.0 kcal/mL) based on growth and fluid tolerance. |
| 8-10 kg | 90-100 mL/kg/day (approx. 720-1000 mL/day) | Divided into 4-6 feedings per day, or continuous infusion | Transition to pediatric-specific formulas (typically 1.0 kcal/mL) is often indicated. |
| 11-15 kg | 80-90 mL/kg/day (approx. 880-1350 mL/day) | Divided into 4-6 feedings or continuous overnight infusion | Monitor closely for abdominal distention, vomiting, or diarrhea. |
| 16-20 kg | 70-80 mL/kg/day (approx. 1120-1600 mL/day) | Divided into 3-5 feedings or continuous infusion | Ensure adequate additional free water flushes are administered to maintain hydration status. |
Formulation
Purpose
Provides complete or supplemental nutrition via the gastrointestinal tract (orally or through feeding tubes) for patients who cannot consume or absorb an adequate diet from standard foods.
Generic Name
Enteral Nutrition FormulaBranded Drug Names
Enteral Formulas is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.