Taste masking

Why is taste masking critically important in paediatric formulations?

• A: Lack of child-friendly formulations leads to suboptimal dosing, lack of adherence, and a 40% increased risk of avoidable adverse events in children.

How does taste perception develop in infants?

Taste develops prenatally; newborns reject bitter and prefer sweet/umami. Adult-like salt sensitivity emerges around 4 months of age.

What is the difference between "taste" and "flavour"?

Taste is the response to dissolved tastants on the tongue. Flavour is the overall perception combining taste, smell (especially retronasal olfaction), and chemical irritation.

What is the fundamental principle behind the "Solubility Approach" to taste masking?

An undissolved drug has no taste. The approach aims to minimise the dissolution of the API in the saliva.

How does the "Barrier Approach" work, and what are two common types?

It creates a physical barrier between the API and taste buds. Common types include Polymer Film-Coating and Lipid Coating.

How do Ion Exchange Resins mask taste, and how is the drug released?

They form insoluble resinates with the drug via ionic bonds, which are stable in saliva. In the gut, higher ion concentrations displace the drug, making it bioavailable.

Why might a combination of sweeteners be used instead of a single one?

To provide sufficient sweetness intensity and profile over time, leveraging synergistic effects (e.g., Aspartame-Acesulfame K) to better mask the API's taste

What is the colour requirement for solid paracetamol and aspirin products intended for children aged 12 or under?

They must be white.

why are paediatric formulations bright colours 

Many paediatric formulations are bright colours such as yellow, pink and orange to make more appealing for the child

why are children with chronic conditions swapped over to tablets quickly

Often try and switch children with chronic conditions to tablets as soon as possible to prevent constant need of taking liquid which does taste too nice. It also makes it easier for the child and the parent

what are the different task masking technologies 

• sensory approaches 

• solubility approaches 

• barrier approaches 

• complexation approaches 

• chemical approaches

what is the main purpose of cyclodextrins in formulations

Main purpose of cyclodextrin in the drug is for solubility and controlled release rather than taste masking as it is very expensive and longer process