In situ coating makes it easier for children to swallow and tolerate tablets and capsules

AIM: Getting children to swallow tablets and capsules is a challenge, and factors that influence their ability to swallow include taste, smell and texture. The aim of this study was to explore how well paediatric patients tolerated and accepted the MedCoat(®) in situ coating for tablets and capsules. METHODS: A nonrandomised intervention study was performed at the Astrid Lindgren Children′s Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden. We identified 78 paediatric patients, 43 females and 35 males, who had problems swallowing tablets and capsules and evaluated their abilities with questionnaires. The median age of the patients was nine years old, and the range was two to 17 years old. RESULTS: Swallowing ability and palatability was improved by in situ coating. The results showed that 66 of 77 paediatric patients (86%, 95% confidence interval: 76–93%) were able to take the drugs they had been prescribed after in situ coating. Swallowing improved in 87% of cases, and palatability improved in 85% of cases. CONCLUSION: A study of 77 paediatric patients with a median age of nine years, and a range of two to 17 years, found that 86% were able to take the tablets and capsules they had been prescribed after they were coated with the MedCoat.