A taste preference study in pediatric patients: Paracetamol and Ibuprofen

Objective: Ibuprofen and paracetamol are two of the most commonly used medicines to treat fever in children. In pediatric patients, good taste is the most important factor for completing treatment. Taste preferences might differ in children from different cultures and countries. The aim of this study is to determine the preparations of paracetamol and ibuprofen preferred in terms of taste and smell in the treatment of children on an ambulatory basis in Turkey. Method: In this study, two different paracetamol and two different ibuprofen liquid formulations were evaluated. The study population consisted of 145 children (71 girls, 74 boys) with a complaint of fever at a mean age of 5.69±2.93 years. A questionnaire was prepared for assessing the demographic variables and compliance and a “5-point facial hedonic scale” was added to the form for evaluating the taste and smell of drugs by children. After the end of treatment parents filled out the forms completely and brought them back during the check-up examination. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the taste and smell preference of different paracetamol or ibuprofen preparations. However, the increase in taste and smell scores was accompanied with a significant decrease for the need of additional nutrients and spitting behavior. Conclusion: As a conclusion all of paracetamol, and ibuptofen preparations are generally acceptable as for their taste and smell. However, prescribing the children a palatable antipyretic will decrease the difficulties experienced by their parents and increase the compliance of the patient to the medicine.