Lecture 21: Taste masking

Why is taste masking important in paediatric oral dosage forms?

It improves palatability and patient compliance, especially in children who are more sensitive to unpleasant tastes

What can infants under 5 months swallow?

Only liquids, due to the extrusion reflex

When can children begin consuming semi-solids or multiparticulates?

Around 5–6 months of age

At what age can most children swallow tablets or capsules?

By around 6 years, though smaller dosage forms are preferred

Why is taste masking more difficult in liquid formulations?

Because the drug is already dissolved and in direct contact with taste buds

What are the drawbacks of liquid formulations?

They are more expensive and have shorter shelf lives

Why must excipient selection in paediatric liquids be done carefully?

Children metabolize substances differently than adults, increasing risk of adverse effects

What sensations do children often dislike in the mouth?

Irritating sensations such as effervescence or peppermint

What are the three primary taste masking methods?

1. Creating barriers between taste receptors and drugs

2. Modifying chemical properties

3. Adding flavours/sweeteners

What is the function of coating in taste masking?

Acts as a barrier to prevent the drug from interacting with taste buds

To what can coatings be applied?

Tablets or directly to bitter active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)

What makes an ideal coating for taste masking?

One that prevents drug release in the mouth but allows release in the absorption site

How do sweeteners help mask unpleasant tastes?

By dissolving in saliva and coating taste buds

What is the most commonly used sweetener?

Sucrose

What are some common sugar-free sweeteners?

Maltitol, sorbitol, and xylitol

What is the goal of complexation techniques in taste masking and what is an example agent?

To reduce drug exposure to taste buds or decrease oral solubility of the drug

β-cyclodextrin

How do prodrugs help in taste masking?

They are inactive compounds that convert to active forms after administration, reducing bitter taste interaction

What caution should be taken with coloured medicines?

Avoid potentially harmful azo-dyes