Ranitidine (Zantac) syrup versus Ranitidine effervescent tablets (Zantac) EFFERdose) in children: a single-center taste preference study.
BACKGROUND
The histamine H(2) receptor antagonist ranitidine is US FDA-approved for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease and healing of erosive esophagitis in children >or=1 month of age. A low-dose strength of ranitidine is now available in a citrus-flavored 25 mg effervescent tablet (dissolved in 5 mL of water); this formulation was developed to facilitate use in infants and smaller children. Ranitidine syrup is available in a peppermint-flavored 15 mg/mL formulation.


OBJECTIVE
To compare taste preferences for ranitidine (Zantac) syrup and ranitidine effervescent tablets dissolved in water (Zantac EFFERdose) in healthy children aged 4-8 years and their adult caregivers.


METHODS
A randomized, single-blind, crossover, taste test trial was conducted in 102 children and 102 parents/legal guardians. All subjects received a single 45 mg dose of each formulation. After tasting both preparations children were asked: "Now that you have tasted both medicines, which one of these medicines do you think tastes better?" Adults were asked four questions to assess whether they would administer the medication to the children.


RESULTS
Seventy-one percent (72/102) of the children preferred the taste of the ranitidine effervescent tablets compared with 29% (30/102) who preferred the syrup (p < 0.001). The majority of adults (71%) responded that they would prefer to administer the effervescent formulation based on taste. Adverse events consistent with product labeling were mild and were reported in four children and three adults: headache (n = 3), drowsiness (n = 1), abdominal pain/cramps (n = 2), and bloating/gas (n = 1).


CONCLUSIONS
The taste of the ranitidine effervescent formulation dissolved in water is preferred over the ranitidine syrup. Better taste acceptance may facilitate ease of administration and compliance in pediatric patients.
Ameen
Vanessa Z
VZ
Clinical Pharmacology and Discovery Medicine, Research and Development, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA. Vanessa.z.ameen@gsk.com
Pobiner
Bonnie F
BF
Giguere
Gregory C
GC
Carter
Eric G
EG
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D036142:Mentha piperita; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D019999:Pharmaceutical Solutions; D011899:Ranitidine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D013607:Tablets; D013649:Taste
D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists; D019999:Pharmaceutical Solutions; D013607:Tablets; D011899:Ranitidine