A randomized study of ondansetron syrup in children: evaluation of taste acceptability and tolerance

Ondansetron, a highly selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, is available in an intravenous (IV) formulation and tables, but syrup would be particularly useful in children. As chemotherapy can affect taste perceptions, this study was undertaken to determine the preference between two flavors of ondansetron syrup in children undergoing chemotherapy. Fifty-nine children, randomized into a multicenter, double-blind, crossover study, each received 5 mg/m2 of IV ondansetron daily before chemotherapy. The syrup was then randomly given in two doses, one of each flavor, strawberry and grape, 30 minutes apart. The preference was assessed 30 minutes after the second dose of syrup had been administered. Taste was assessed by the child against a panel of five faces. Of those children expressing any preference, 70% preferred the strawberry flavor. Overall, 59% of children preferred the strawberry flavor, whilst 25% preferred grape (P = 0.005) and 15% expressed no preference. The only adverse event assessed as drug related by the investigator was constipation, which occurred in one patient. In conclusion, a strong preference was found for the strawberry formulation. The ondansetron syrup was safe and well tolerated.