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Palatability of crushed ß–blockers, converting enzyme inhibitors and thiazides
Author(s) -
Zgraggen L.,
Faré P. B.,
Lava S. A. G.,
Simonetti G. D.,
Fossali E. F.,
Amoruso C.,
Bianchetti M. G.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.622
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1365-2710
pISSN - 0269-4727
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2710.2011.01330.x
Subject(s) - pharmacology , palatability , chemistry , medicine , food science
Summary What is known and Objectives: A problem that often affects antihypertensive drugs is the lack of formulations appropriate for childhood. Parents, therefore, crush tablets and administer the antihypertensive drug mixed with solid food or a palatable drink. Because palatability is a major modulator of adherence to prescribed medication, the palatability of crushed ß‐blockers, converting enzyme inhibitors and thiazides was assessed among adult volunteers. Methods: The palatability of crushed atenolol, bisoprolol, enalapril, lisinopril, ramipril, chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide was evaluated by means of a facial hedonic scale among 20 volunteers. The calcium channel‐blockers amlodipine and lercanidipine whose tastes are disliked and liked, respectively, by children were also tested. A concealed random allocation procedure was used. Results: The palatability scores assigned to chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril were superior ( P < 0·002) to those assigned to atenolol, bisoprolol, enalapril and ramipril. As with children, the palatability score of lercanidipine was superior to that of amlodipine ( P < 0·002). The scores assigned to the various agents were similar in women and in men and were age‐independent. What is new and Conclusion: Pulverized atenolol, bisoprolol, enalapril and ramipril are poor tasting. From the perspective of palatability, pulverized chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide and lisinopril are preferable.