From stubborn coughs to sore throats, health problems that impact children on a frequent basis can be frustrating for parents to cope with, especially if kids throw temper tantrums at the sight of liquid medicines meant to treat the conditions because they taste a little funny.
According to a new review published in the online version of Clinical Therapeutics, many kids may be rejecting medicine because they have an aversion to its taste, which may be too bitter or acidic for youngsters.
"The problems associated with pediatric drug formulations are enormous and can hinder optimal therapeutic outcomes," said lead author Julie Mennella, Ph.D., a developmental psychobiologist at the Monell Chemical Senses Center of Florida State University. "Both the complexity of bitter taste and the unique sensory world of children contribute to this critical issue."
According to the team of researchers led by Mennella, improving medicinal compliance among children may boil down to the simple matter of taste. Boosting drug adherence for kids can occur if parents try to keep this in mind as they discuss with doctors and pharmacists the different options available for treatment.
The full review includes a detailed analysis of the impact that bitter tastes have on children from a biological point of view, and it also explores the various taste responses that they may have to different medicines.
Organizations like the Pediatric Formulation Initiative were developed recently to address the unique needs that children have when it comes to medicines and ways in which pharmaceutical companies can address them through changes in pediatric formulations.
Making medicine taste better
When it comes to children's health and wellness, how can you as a parent try and overcome these challenges? While it may not seem like there is anything that you can do when it comes to making medicine taste better, the fact is, you do have several options.
Many parents decide to explore the benefits of custom flavoring for medicines. Children love having the opportunity to select a flavor that is pleasant for them, and it can also make the bitter taste of medicine go down more easily.
To learn more about custom flavoring, parents should speak with pharmacists about the different options that are available at their local pharmacies. Not all areas have custom flavoring available to consumers, but by reaching out and learning more, individuals can get a better sense of where to find it in local markets.
