Advances in Taste-Masking Strategies for Pediatric Brain-Related Disease Treatments: Focus on Polymeric Coatings in Orally Disintegrating Tablets

Abstract

Pediatric treatment of brain-related diseases often requires oral medications, where palatability is crucial for patient adherence and therapeutic success. The unpleasant taste of many drugs, especially those used in neurological or psychiatric conditions, can reduce compliance in children. This review explores various taste-masking strategies, with a particular focus on the use of polymeric coatings for orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) in the treatment of pediatric disease.

The introduction of ODTs has revolutionized pediatric pharmacotherapy by improving drug administration convenience and masking the taste of bitter drugs. This review highlights the importance of taste masking for improved patient compliance, particularly for the drugs with bitter or unpleasant taste , and covers diverse approaches including conventional and novel methods such as microencapsulation, spray drying, and nanotechnology. Emphasis is placed on polymeric coatings, which have demonstrated significant potential in taste masking by forming protective barriers that prevent contact between the drug and taste receptors.

Furthermore, the article discusses the types of excipients used in formulation, methods of tablet manufacturing, and evaluation techniques for taste masking. Additionally, challenges such as formulation stability, the risk of altered drug release, and the need for regulatory approvals are addressed. Finally, future directions, including advancements in nanotechnology and patient-centric formulation strategies, are proposed to enhance patient adherence and optimize therapeutic outcomes in pediatric management.

Download the full article as PDF here Advances in Taste-Masking Strategies for Pediatric Brain-Related Disease Treatments

Table 1: ODT Formulation By Using Polymeric Coating For Pediatric Use For Different Brain Related Disease

Excipients mentioned in the study beside others: PEARLITOL® Flash, Lactose M80, AVICEL PH-102, EUDRAGIT® RS 100, HPMC K15 M, PEG 4000, Crospovidone XL 10, L-HPC, Magnesium stearate, PVPK 30, Mannitol

Krisha Patel, Shruti Barot, Advances in Taste-Masking Strategies for Pediatric Brain-Related Disease Treatments: Focus on Polymeric Coatings in Orally Disintegrating Tablets, Int. J. Sci. R. Tech., 2025 2(1), A Multidisciplinary peer-reviewed Journal, www.ijsrtjournal.com [ISSN: 2394-7063]

Read also our introduction article on Taste Masking here: