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A prospective study to assess the palatability of analgesic medicines in children
Coral June Smith1, Helen M Sammons, Apostolos Fakis
1Academic Division of Child Health, The Medical School, Royal Derby Hospital, University of Nottingham, Derby, UK.
Insights
Ibuprofen was the most preferred-tasting children's pain reliever among paracetamol, ibuprofen, and codeine. Children favored fruit flavors, with color preferences varying by sex.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric pharmacology
- Taste perception in children
- Analgesic palatability
Background:
- Children's medicine palatability is often unpalatable and unacceptable.
- Children's taste preferences differ from adults.
- Limited British research exists on children's medicine palatability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine children's opinions on the taste of three common analgesics: paracetamol, ibuprofen, and codeine.
- To identify children's preferred flavors and colors for medicines.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for improving pediatric medication administration.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study involving 159 hospital inpatients aged 5-16 years.
- Taste ratings using a 100-mm visual analogue scale and a 5-point facial hedonic scale.
- Inquiry into preferred flavors and colors for medicinal preparations.
Main Results:
- Ibuprofen was significantly preferred over paracetamol and codeine.
- Taste ratings varied depending on whether the medicine was administered first or second.
- Preferred flavors included strawberry (44%) and banana (17%); favorite colors were pink (25.8%) and red (20.8%).
Conclusions:
- Ibuprofen is the most palatable analgesic among the tested medications for children.
- Fruit flavors are preferred, and color preference is sex-dependent.
- Administering less palatable medications first (e.g., paracetamol before ibuprofen) may improve adherence.
Aim:
This study examined children's opinions on the taste of three analgesic medicines: paracetamol, ibuprofen and codeine.
Background:
Many medicines for children are unpleasant and unacceptable. Research has shown that children's taste preferences differ to adults, in whom palatability is often tested. Little British research exists on children's opinions on the palatability of medicines. This study aimed to address this gap in knowledge.
Design:
Prospective observational study.
Methods:
Between May-September 2008, hospital inpatients aged 5-16 years rated the taste of required analgesics on a 100-mm visual analogue scale. This incorporated a 5-point facial hedonic scale. They were also asked their favourite flavour and colour for a medicine.
Results:
A total of 159 children took part. Eighty-five males (53·5%) and 74 females (46·5%). The median age was 8 years (Inter-quartile range 6-11). The taste of ibuprofen was significantly preferred to paracetamol or codeine. Significant differences were observed depending if the medicine rated was taken first or second (for example pre-medication with paracetamol and ibuprofen). Younger children (5-8 years) were more likely to choose the extremes of the scale when grading than older children were. Preferred flavours on questioning were strawberry 44% and banana 17%. Favourite colours were pink 25·8% and red 20·8%, with girls more likely to choose pink and boys blue.
Conclusion:
Ibuprofen was the most palatable analgesic medicine tested. Children reported they preferred fruit flavours and colour was sex dependent. Nurses when administering two medicines together should consider giving the least palatable first, for example paracetamol before ibuprofen for pre-medication.
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