Mini orodispersible tablets (ODTs)
We all need a little win
Mini orodispersible tablets (ODTs) have been designed specifically for paediatric patients to aid accurate dose administration, removing the need to manipulate adult formulations.
Can be formulated in low doses which are suitable for children
Rapidly disperse in the mouth without the need for water
Providing precise doses to the smallest of mouths
Easy to administer
The challenges in paediatric medicines
Children should not be treated as small adults. This is due to various factors including their growth and maturation, as well as the development of their organs, such as the liver which processes medicines. Children’s needs change as they develop and the way a medicine is delivered (its formulation) should suit their specific needs at each developmental stage of their life.
What are mini orodispersible tablets?
Mini orodispersible tablets represent a suitable medication format for paediatric patients, as they combine the advantageous characteristics of mini tablets with the added benefit of orodispersible properties. Mini orodipsersible tablets are characterised by their small size and rapid dispersion. The combined advantages aim to provide convenient administration and improved patient compliance.5
- The individual properties for both the mini tablets and orodispersible characteristics are discussed below.
Mini tablets have a favourable acceptance compared to (glucose) syrup2
- Liquid formulations may have limitations including taste issues, inaccurate dosing and instability of the liquid medication.2
- Mini tablets provide a significantly higher rate of acceptance compared to (glucose) syrup in neonates, infants and pre-school children.2
Mini tablets are suitable for neonates, infants and young children 2,4
- Compared to (glucose) syrup, they are easier to swallow for children including neonates.4
- WHO (World Health Organisation) has proposed a shift from liquid administration to small-size solid drug formulation administration for children.4
Advantageous properties of orally dispersible formulations
- They can be formulated to rapidly disperse in the mouth without the need for water.1
- Ease of administration and appropriate for children who find it difficult to swallow tablets.1,5
- Flexibility to be produced in various sizes, including the ability to create small-sized tablets to include low dose strengths, providing precise doses to the smallest of mouths.1
We all need
a little win
Getting a child to do something they are not keen on presents families with challenges at the best of times. Getting a young child to take a medication they don’t like can add to this pressure.
Life is busy and challenging enough. By combining the benefits of mini tablets with oral dispersible properties, mini ODTs can provide a convenient and age appropriate formulation option for your child; if this can reduce the burden of giving and taking medicines then we class that as a win.
More work needs to be done to increase the availability of paediatric licensed medication and address the gap between paediatric and adult medication.
The ideal paediatric medication should have flexible dosage increments, minimal excipients, be palatable, and easy to administer.3
INT-ENA-24-0003 Updated: February2024
