𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗹𝘆 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 #4 📢

Scientific evidence for acceptability of minitablets in pediatrics

🔍 Scope and Motivation: In a study by van Riet-Nales et al. (2013), the acceptability of various oral formulations was investigated in infants and preschool children in the Netherlands. 👶

📋 Methodology: Parents administered four oral placebo dosage forms—small tablet, powder, suspension, and syrup—to their children (1-4 years old) at home, following a randomized cross-over design. Acceptability was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and intake results. Of 183 children included, 148 were evaluated.

💡 Key Findings: The study revealed a preference for tablets, with higher VAS scores and more fully swallowed intakes compared to other formulations. Both children and parents preferred tablets and syrup over suspension and suspension over powder. All formulations were well accepted, with tablets being the most preferred.

✅ Conclusions: The findings emphasize the importance of formulation acceptability in pediatric medication adherence and underscore the preference for solid oral forms over liquids. This research provides valuable insights for healthcare providers and pharmaceutical manufacturers aiming to optimize pediatric medication formulations.

📚 Reference:
van Riet-Nales et al., Acceptability of different oral formulations in infants and preschool children, Arch Dis Child. 2013 Sep;98(9):725-31. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2012-303303.11-300958