Meeting Challenges of Pediatric Drug Delivery: The Potential of Orally Fast Disintegrating Tablets for Infants and Children

Abstract

A majority of therapeutics are not available as suitable dosage forms for administration to pediatric patients. The first part of this review provides an overview of clinical and technological challenges and opportunities in the development of child-friendly dosage forms such as taste masking, tablet size, flexibility of dose administration, excipient safety and acceptability. In this context, developmental pharmacology, rapid onset of action in pediatric emergency situations, regulatory and socioeconomic aspects are also reviewed and illustrated with clinical case studies. The second part of this work discusses the example of Orally Dispersible Tablets (ODTs) as a child-friendly drug delivery strategy. Inorganic particulate drug carriers can thereby be used as multifunctional excipients offering a potential solution to address unique medical needs in infants and children while maintaining a favorable excipient safety and acceptability profile in these vulnerable patient populations.

Sweeteners in Orodispersible Films: How Much is too Much?

“…Pediatric and geriatric populations pose challenges in dosage form design due to physiological and psychological barriers. Children's immature bodies affect pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics [1], while elders experience changes in cellular and physiological functions [2]. Tablets and capsules, common oral medications [3], pose challenges for these populations, requiring swallowing coordination [4].…”

Formulation and Evaluation of Polysaccharide Microparticles for the Controlled Release of Propranolol Hydrochloride

“…It is well established that pediatric patients are not small adults. They have different body compositions and physiological and biochemical processes that govern the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. However, due to the ethical and financial challenges that clinical trials in children bring [ 4 ], most of the medicines prescribed for pediatric patients are designed for adults.…”

Correlation between Optical Characteristics of Orodispersible Films with Selected Process Parameters Supported by FTIR Analysis

“…1 While the ideal dosage form for children should allow for less frequent dosing, adequate and reliable administration, minimal disruption to their daily routine, the use of non-toxic and well-tolerated excipients, and taste masking, these considerations can also be extrapolated to the geriatric population. 2 Both populations are characterised by altered drug bioavailability compared to the adult population due to different physiological and metabolic functioning. In addition, paediatric and geriatric populations have specific preferences regarding the taste and appearance of dosage forms.…”

“…In addition, paediatric and geriatric populations have specific preferences regarding the taste and appearance of dosage forms. 2,3 According to the European Pharmacopea, orodispersible films (ODFs) are defined as "single-or multilayer sheets of suitable materials, to be placed in the mouth where they disperse rapidly". 4 Furthermore, in the context of the mentioned populations, ODFs are highly acceptable and comfortable methods for drug administration.…”