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A straw for paediatrics: How to administer highly dosed, bitter tasting paracetamol granules

Tilen Simšič1, Boris Nolimal2, Jasmina Minova1

  • 1Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Alterno Labs d.o.o., Brnčičeva 29, 1231 Ljubljana-Črnuče, Slovenia.

International Journal of Pharmaceutics
|April 22, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Developing palatable paracetamol particles for pediatric use, this study created a novel drug-eluting straw. Granulated coated particles mask the bitter taste, improving medication adherence for children and patients with swallowing difficulties.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmaceutical Technology
  • Pediatric Drug Delivery
  • Taste Masking

Background:

  • Pediatric drug formulations require age-appropriate dosage forms.
  • Swallowing difficulties are common in children and some patient groups.
  • A novel drug-eluting straw offers a potential solution for administering liquid medications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop palatable, granulated coated paracetamol particles for a novel drug-eluting straw.
  • To ensure effective taste masking during sipping and immediate drug release in the stomach.
  • To optimize particle properties for easy drug consumption via the straw.

Main Methods:

  • Paracetamol crystals were coated with various polymers for taste masking.
  • Coated crystals were granulated with a trehalose-erythritol mixture.
  • Particles were evaluated for taste-masking duration, liquid volume, and vacuum requirements.
  • Dissolution tests were performed in aqueous and acidic media to assess drug release.

Main Results:

  • Granulated coated paracetamol particles using Kollicoat IR or Kollicoat Protect showed promising results.
  • These particles provided taste-masking during simulated sipping.
  • Immediate release of paracetamol was confirmed in acidic conditions (85% in <30 min at pH 1.2, 4.5).

Conclusions:

  • Optimized granulated coated paracetamol particles are suitable for the novel drug-eluting straw.
  • This formulation effectively masks paracetamol's bitter taste.
  • The developed system facilitates pediatric drug administration and improves patient compliance.

Keywords:
Child-appropriate medicineCrystal coatingGranulesImmediate releaseStrawTaste masking

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