HINT: Can cola be used to clear a blocked G- tube?

Connected Care Quick Hits are up to date and evidence based recommendations for the care of children with medical complexity & technology dependence, from hospital to home.

---

HINT: Can Cola be used to unblock an enteral feeding tube?

SITUATION: 

Cola and other carbonated and acidic beverages are still sometimes being used in practice to unblock enteral feeding tubes, however this is not recommended.

BACKGROUND:

Cola was previously recommended by health care providers as a method to unblock enteral feeding tubes.​ Current best practice recommends NOT to use cola or other acidic beverages including ginger ale or cranberry juice as it may worsen the blockage.​

ASSESSMENT:

Indications that an enteral feeding tube may be blocked: 

• Difficulties / unable to push fluid into the tube

• Feeding pump may beep indicating there is an "occlusion" or a "flow error"

RECOMMENDATION:

• Do NOT use Cola or other acidic beverages to try and unblock the tube​

• Try to unblock the tube as soon as possible following these steps:​

For ALL enteral feeding tubes (G, GJ, G/GJ combination, low-profile G or low-profile GJ)

1. If the child’s tube has a removable adaptor, remove it first to check if it is the cause of the blockage

2. Attach the smallest syringe available (1 mL recommended) directly at the tube. If unblocking a low profile tube, attach the syringe directly into the feeding port

3. Using a pulsating push-and-pull motion, insert as much warm water into the tube as possible. This pulsating motion will help dislodge the blockage ​

4. If you have a prescription for pancreatic enzymes and sodium bicarbonate, try this method (as directed) if warm water does not work

AboutKidsHealth Resource

---

Have a Question? Initiate a Consult!