Taste of Clindamycin and Acetaminophen

Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2017 Feb;56(2):146-149. doi: 10.1177/0009922816657151. Epub 2016 Jul 19.

Abstract

This study evaluated the taste palatability of liquid clindamycin and acetaminophen products on the market. Subjects rated the palatability of 3 clindamycin suspensions, 1 amoxicillin suspension (tasted twice), an acetaminophen elixir, and an acetaminophen suspension in a randomized blinded fashion on a 0 to 5 scale. Forty-six adults aged 20 to 82 years volunteered for this study. Means (and 95% confidence intervals) were as follows: amoxicillin-first taste 3.6 (3.3-3.9), amoxicillin-second taste 3.5 (3.2-3.7). Clindamycin Rising, Perrigo, Greenstone; 2.0 (1.6-2.5), 3.0 (2.7-3.3), and 2.2 (1.8-2.6), respectively. Acetaminophen elixir 0.6 (0.4-0.8) and acetaminophen suspension 3.4 (3.1-3.6). One clindamycin tasted significantly better than the others. Additionally, although 2 acetaminophen formulations are currently available over-the-counter, the suspension is more palatable and less costly. Medicaid drug programs that perpetuate the use of elixir should change their coverage to save money and provide patients access to better tasting acetaminophen.

Keywords: acetaminophen cost; acetaminophen elixir; acetaminophen suspension; acetaminophen taste; amoxicillin cost; amoxicillin taste; clindamycin cost; clindamycin taste.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Acetaminophen / administration & dosage*
  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / administration & dosage*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Clindamycin / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Satisfaction / statistics & numerical data*
  • Single-Blind Method
  • Taste*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Acetaminophen
  • Clindamycin