Which drugs may cause hyponatremia for enterally fed patients?

Hyponatremia, or low sodium levels in the blood, can occur due to various medications, particularly in enterally fed patients who may have specific physiological considerations. Laxatives and diuretics are well-known for their potential to cause electrolyte imbalances, including hyponatremia.

Laxatives can lead to an increased loss of sodium through the gastrointestinal tract, especially with certain types that promote fluid retention or increase bowel motility. Diuretics, particularly those that are thiazide or loop diuretics, promote renal excretion of sodium and water, which can significantly contribute to lowering serum sodium levels. Therefore, the use of these medications in patients receiving enteral nutrition requires careful monitoring of electrolyte balance.

In contrast, the other options such as penicillin G sodium, normal saline, acetaminophen, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) do not have the same level of association with causing hyponatremia in the context of enterally fed patients, making this response accurate in identifying the most relevant risk factors for this condition in the specific patient population. Overall, it's crucial to monitor sodium levels in patients on enteral feeding who are prescribed laxatives or diuretics, as they are more directly