POP: Palatability Of Prednisolone
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A study to assess the palatability of prednisolone formulations in children and young adults
IRAS ID
228660
Contact name
Matthew Peak
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Alder Hey Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Liquid medicines have been traditionally considered the most commonly used oral formulation for children, as they are easy to swallow by the patient and doses can be measured at the point of use. However, the taste of paediatric medicines is one of the most important formulation factors which has the potential to influence adherence and compliance to treatment regimens.
Prednisolone is a routinely given to children. It can be used to treat illnesses such as asthma, arthritis, and kidney/ bowel disease. Although prednisolone is available in tablet form, children often prefer it to be prescribed in liquid form as it is easier to administer.
At Alder Hey, when a liquid formulation of prednisolone is required for paediatric use, either prednisolone soluble tablets or a prednisolone oral solution can be prescribed and dispensed. When selecting which formulation to prescribe, one of the things that health care professionals take into account is the palatability of the available formulations. The palatability of a medicine is important, especially when considering children as it can impact on the overall experience of taking medicines, on adherence and therefore on health outcomes.
The proposal describes a study that will identify formulation preference of prednisolone in healthy children and young people (CYP) and NHS paediatric patients, findings from this study will influence future prednisolone prescribing and dispensing within Alder Hey.REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/SW/0185
Date of REC Opinion
25 Sep 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion