Sweet syrups are often considered to be the ‘gold standard’ for giving medicines to young children. However, liquid formulations may have limitations, including taste issues, inaccurate dosing and instability of the medicine in the liquid.

This article describes the results of three studies comparing 2mm diameter mini-tablets with sweet syrups in children of different ages. In the studies, the children were given mini-tablets and a small volume of sweet syrup. The children’s acceptance of, and ability to swallow each form was assessed.  None of the mini-tablets or syrups tested in the studies contained medicines.

Mini-tablets had higher acceptability and swallowability than syrup in two studies conducted in 366 children aged 6 months to 6 years. Furthermore, the mini-tablets had similar acceptability and swallowability to syrup in a study of 151 young babies aged 2 to 28 days old.

Klingmann concluded that ‘mini-tablets are a new therapeutic alternative to liquid formulations for neonates, infants and preschool children to facilitate the administration of medicines’.