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Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Psychophysical Tracking Method to Measure Taste Preferences in Children and Adults
09:17

Psychophysical Tracking Method to Measure Taste Preferences in Children and Adults

Published on: July 16, 2016

Ranitidine (Zantac) syrup versus Ranitidine effervescent tablets (Zantac) EFFERdose) in children: a single-center

Vanessa Z Ameen1, Bonnie F Pobiner, Gregory C Giguere

  • 1Clinical Pharmacology and Discovery Medicine, Research and Development, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA. Vanessa.z.ameen@gsk.com

Paediatric Drugs
|August 11, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Children and adults preferred the citrus-flavored ranitidine effervescent tablets over peppermint-flavored ranitidine syrup. This improved taste acceptance may enhance medication administration and compliance in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacology
  • Drug Formulation

Background:

  • Ranitidine, a histamine H(2) receptor antagonist, is FDA-approved for gastroesophageal reflux disease in children.
  • New low-dose ranitidine effervescent tablets (25 mg) in citrus flavor are available for pediatric use.
  • A peppermint-flavored ranitidine syrup (15 mg/mL) is also available.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare taste preferences between ranitidine effervescent tablets and ranitidine syrup in children aged 4-8 years.
  • To assess adult caregivers' preferences for administering either ranitidine formulation based on taste.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized, single-blind, crossover taste test trial involving 102 children and 102 adult caregivers.
  • Subjects received a single 45 mg dose of each ranitidine formulation.
  • Children indicated their taste preference; adults answered questions regarding administration preference.

Main Results:

  • 71% of children preferred the taste of the effervescent tablets over the syrup (p < 0.001).
  • 71% of adults indicated a preference for administering the effervescent formulation based on taste.
  • Mild adverse events were reported, consistent with product labeling.

Conclusions:

  • The citrus-flavored ranitidine effervescent formulation is preferred over the peppermint-flavored syrup.
  • Improved taste acceptance of the effervescent tablets may improve pediatric medication administration and compliance.
Abstract

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