What Do You Do If Your PEG Clogs?
Handout File:
What Do You Do If Your PEG Clogs?
Note: These instructions are meant only as a general guide. The information found here should not replace any directions or instructions provided by your doctor. If you have questions, please contact your healthcare provider.
What to do when your PEG is clogged:
- Fill 1 syringe with warm water to try and flush PEG
- Gently and firmly push and pull the plunger back and forth
- Do not try to force the water into the PEG
- Clamp the tube for 20 minutes allowing the water to “soak,” repeat if necessary
- If this does not unclog your PEG contact your healthcare provider.
To avoid clogged PEGs:
- ALWAYS flush the PEG immediately before and after putting any medications into your PEG
- Speak with your pharmacist prior to putting any medication into your PEG
- Ask for a copy of “Tips for putting Medications into your PEG”.
- This can be located at www.ginutrition.virginia.edu
- ALWAYS flush the PEG immediately before and after putting formula into your PEG
Flushing with 1 syringe of water BEFORE and AFTER administering all approved medications and formula is VERY IMPORTANT
For more information see:
- The Oley Foundation Tube Feeding Troubleshooting Guide available at: https://cdn.ymaws.com/oley.org/resource/resmgr/docs/tf_troubleshooting _guide_19.pdf
- Call your healthcare provider for additional assistance