Declogging small-bore feeding tubes.

Nine substances (Pancrease, Viokase, pork pancreatin, bromelain, papain, cranberry juice, Coca-Cola, chymotrypsin, and distilled water) were tested every half-hour for 4 hr using 900 mm of water pressure to determine their effectiveness in declogging small-bore feeding tubes. At the end of 4 hr the tubes were irrigated with air using a 50-cc syringe. None of the substances tested were effective within 4 hr. Three substances allowed for successful syringe irrigation at the end of 4 hr. They were: chymotrypsin, papain, and distilled water.