Abstract
Objectives: To find out syrup flavor preferences among pediatric patients.
 Methods: This prospective survey included 350 pediatric patients in a multispecialty hospital and was conducted for over four months. The patients filled a pro forma with a questionnaire regarding the syrup flavor preferences details among four drug categories. If the patients were unable to fill the questionnaire, the parents were asked to fill the same.
 Results: In our survey, the first preference of the syrup flavors by male gender from all four drug categories were banana-vanilla, orange, lime, and orange-lemon flavors. Whereas, the same in the female gender were the following: Strawberry, grape, banana-pineapple, and strawberry-lemon flavors.
 Conclusion: The creation of an acceptable syrup taste using flavors should be taken into account by the healthcare professionals before prescribing it to the children.
Highlights
Pediatric patients often do not take drugs prescribed, which directly affects patient therapeutic outcomes [1]
A questionnaire containing different drug classes and the preferred flavors used for their formulation for masking the bitter taste of drug was prepared
A total of four drug classes were included in the questionnaire: Antibiotics, antihistamines, barbiturates, decongestants, and expectorants
Summary
Pediatric patients often do not take drugs prescribed, which directly affects patient therapeutic outcomes [1]. Taste is an essential factor in medication adherence, in pediatric patients [2]. Pediatric suspensions’ development and marketing must target efficiency and palatability [3]. The unpleasant taste of medication is a crucial barrier to compliance for most pediatric patients with acute or chronic illness [4]. Many parents are familiar with the difficulties of convincing children to take bitter, unfamiliar medicine. Palatability is an important factor influencing medication adherence and acceptability in pediatric population [5]
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