title: Sweeteners, flavorings, and dyes in antibiotic preparations.
abstract: Even though a variety of adverse effects caused by sweeteners, flavorings, and dyes in susceptible individuals have been reported, there is no good single reference with information about these substances in pediatric antimicrobials. Data on sweeteners, flavorings, and dyes in 91 antimicrobial preparations were collected. Sucrose was present in 74 (85%) of 87 preparations, followed by saccharin in 30 (34%) preparations. Mannitol, lactose, and sorbitol were each present in 7 preparations. None of the preparations were free of sweeteners. Thirty-four (37%) of 91 preparations did not specify the flavoring content. While cherry was the most common flavoring used, there were 25 other flavorings. Thirteen different dyes and coloring agents were used in these antimicrobials. Red dye no. 40 was present in 45% of preparations. Tables detailing sweeteners, flavorings, and dyes in different groups of antimicrobials (amoxicillin, ampicillin, cephalosporins, erythromycin, penicillins, sulfonamides, and others) and adverse effects reported with these inert ingredients are presented. These tables should be helpful to physicians in selecting an antimicrobial containing a different sweetener and/or dye when an adverse reaction occurs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824-1317.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Weatherly
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Beaman
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D004339:Drug Compounding; D004346:Drug Information Services; D004348:Drug Labeling; D005421:Flavoring Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D013549:Sweetening Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004396:Coloring Agents; D005421:Flavoring Agents; D013549:Sweetening Agents