Ebastine fast-dissolving tablets versus regular tablets: acceptability and preference in patients with allergic...

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Technology
• Allergy and Immunology
• Patient-Reported Outcomes

Background:

• A novel fast-dissolving tablet (FDT) formulation of ebastine has been developed.
• This formulation dissolves rapidly in the mouth without requiring water, offering enhanced patient convenience.
• The FDT formulation presents an opportunity to personalize prescribing based on patient preferences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate patient preferences between ebastine FDT and ebastine regular tablets (RT).
• To compare patient satisfaction with sensory attributes, including taste, texture, and dissolution.
• To assess patient perceptions of innovation and convenience for the ebastine FDT.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, crossover study involving 420 allergic rhinitis patients from Germany, Italy, and Mexico.
• Patients received placebo versions of ebastine FDT and ebastine RT (10 and 20 mg doses) in a 1:1 ratio.
• Home-based interviews were conducted to record patient preferences using a 0-10 rating scale and descriptive statistics for analysis.

Main Results:

• Ebastine FDT was statistically significantly preferred over RT for sensation on dissolving (8.30 vs 6.79), taste (8.10 vs 6.60), and texture (7.85 vs 7.20).
• Rapidity of dissolution for FDT was rated highly (8.67).
• Overall, 83% of patients preferred ebastine FDT, with high ratings for innovation, suitability for waterless administration, and convenience.

Conclusions:

• The majority of allergic rhinitis patients prefer the ebastine FDT formulation over the regular tablet (RT).
• Ebastine FDT demonstrates superior performance in terms of dissolution, taste, and texture.
• The FDT formulation is perceived as more innovative, convenient, and technologically advanced, supporting its suitability for on-the-go use.