title: An in vitro analysis of the cariogenic and erosive potential of pediatric liquid analgesics.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Analgesics such as Ibuprofen and Paracetamol, which are clinically used for the treatment of fever and/or pain, are among the most frequently used pediatric medicines. However, the properties of these preparations determine their cariogenic and erosive potential.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The main objective of this study was to analyze the pH, viscosity and total sugar content in a variety of Syrian pediatric liquid analgesics (PLA).
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 16 available liquid analgesics that belong to the Paracetamol and Ibuprofen group were analysed.
  
  
  METHODS
  The endogenous pH was measured using a digital pH meter, the viscosity was measured using a digital rotational viscometer and the total sugar content was performed according to Fehling method.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were presented by means of descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum values).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean endogenous pH of PLA was 4.63 ± 0.57 ranging between 3.93 and 5.68, and almost all of analgesics (93.8%) had pH values ≤5.5. The mean viscosity of PLA was 243.56 ± 186.6 cP and varied between 20.5 cP and 640.5 cP. Sugars were detected in 11 (68.75%) analgesics, and varied considerably among sugar-containing analgesics from 5.38 to 69.4 (g/100 mL) with a mean concentration of 24.97 ± 23.24 g/100 mL.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PLA are potentially cariogenic and erosive because of low pH, high viscosity and high total sugar content. This may increase our concerns about the dental health of children who take liquid analgesics frequently or when long-term treatment is indicated.
authors: Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria.
authors: Shaam
authors: S
authors: Saeed
authors: Nada
authors: N
authors: Bshara
authors: Juliana
authors: J
authors: Trak
authors: Ghiath
authors: G
authors: Mahmoud
mesh_terms: D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000737:chemistry*; D000700:Analgesics / Q000737:chemistry*; D002241:Carbohydrates / Q000032:analysis; D002326:Cariogenic Agents / Q000737:chemistry*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007052:Ibuprofen / Q000737:chemistry*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D013593:Syria; D014077:Tooth Erosion / Q000139:chemically induced; D014783:Viscosity
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D002241:Carbohydrates; D002326:Cariogenic Agents; D000082:Acetaminophen; D007052:Ibuprofen