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Crushed prednisolone tablets or oral solution for acute asthma?
M E Lucas-Bouwman1, R J Roorda, F G Jansman
1Department of Paediatrics, Isala klinieken/Weezenlanden Hospital, PO Box 10500, 8000 GM Zwolle, Netherlands.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|March 22, 2001
Summary
Prednisolone oral solution is better tolerated by young children with acute asthma than crushed tablets, reducing vomiting and improving taste. Clinical outcomes were similar between the two prednisolone formulations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Acute asthma is a common respiratory condition in young children.
- Corticosteroids like prednisolone are frequently used to treat acute asthma exacerbations.
- Medication formulation can impact adherence and tolerability in pediatric patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the tolerability and clinical efficacy of two prednisolone formulations (oral solution vs. crushed tablets) in young children with acute asthma.
Main Methods:
- A randomized trial was conducted involving 78 young children diagnosed with acute asthma.
- Participants received either prednisolone oral solution or crushed prednisolone tablets.
- Outcomes assessed included tolerability (vomiting, taste) and clinical resolution.
Main Results:
- Prednisolone oral solution demonstrated significantly better tolerability compared to crushed tablets.
- Reported benefits of the oral solution included reduced incidence of vomiting and superior taste.
- No significant difference was observed in clinical resolution rates between the two formulations.
Conclusions:
- Prednisolone oral solution is a preferred formulation for treating acute asthma in young children due to improved tolerability.
- The choice of formulation can impact patient experience without compromising clinical effectiveness.
- Further research could explore long-term adherence and cost-effectiveness of different formulations.