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Minitablets: new modality to deliver medicines to preschool-aged children

Sarah A Thomson1, Catherine Tuleu, Ian C K Wong

  • 1Centre for Paediatric Pharmacy Research, School of Pharmacy, University of London, London, England.

Pediatrics
|January 28, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Minitablets show promise for preschool children. Swallowing rates increase with age, with 85% of 5-year-olds successfully swallowing them, indicating suitability for pediatric use.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pharmacology
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Formulation Science

Background:

  • Pediatric drug administration presents unique challenges.
  • Minitablets offer a potential alternative to traditional dosage forms for young children.
  • Assessing the acceptability of novel formulations in pediatric populations is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the acceptability and suitability of 3-mm placebo minitablets for preschool-aged children (2-6 years).
  • To determine the feasibility of using minitablets as a pediatric dosage form.

Main Methods:

  • One hundred children aged 2-6 years participated in the study.
  • Children were instructed on swallowing the minitablet, with chewing discouraged.
  • Administration outcomes (swallowed, chewed, spat out, refused) were recorded.

Main Results:

  • Swallowing success increased with age, from 46% in 2-year-olds to 85% in 5-year-olds.
  • A significant majority of children aged 4 years and older could swallow the minitablets.
  • Gender did not influence the ability to swallow the minitablets.

Conclusions:

  • Minitablets are a potentially suitable formulation for preschool-aged children.
  • The study supports the use of minitablets as a novel dosage form for this age group.
  • Further research into minitablet formulations for pediatric use is warranted.
Abstract

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