Palatability of angiotensin II antagonists among nephropathic children.

Author(s): Meier CM, Simonetti GD, Ghiglia S, Fossali E, Salice P, Limoni C, Bianchetti MG, CHIld Project

Affiliation(s): Ospedale San Giovanni Bellinzona and Ospedale della Beata Vergine, Mendrisio, Switzerland.

Publication date & source: 2007-05, Br J Clin Pharmacol., 63(5):628-31. Epub 2007 Feb 14.

Publication type: Randomized Controlled Trial

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT: * Among children, medication palatability is crucial for adherence to therapeutic regimen. * Several studies have measured the palatability of antimicrobial suspensions in paediatric patients by means of a visual analogue scale palatability score. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS: * This is the first analysis comparing the taste and smell acceptability of angiotensin II receptor blockers among paediatric patients with kidney disease. * From the perspective of the child with kidney disease, the taste of pulverized candesartan is significantly superior to that of pulverized irbesartan, losartan, telmisartan or valsartan. AIM: Angiotensin II receptor blockers are widely prescribed in kidney disease. Among children, medication palatability is crucial for adherence. METHODS: Taste and smell acceptability of five angiotensin II receptor blockers were compared among 21 nephropathic children using a visual analogue scale palatability score. RESULTS: The score assigned to pulverized tablets of candesartan cilexetil was significantly higher than that assigned to pulverized tablets of irbesartan, losartan, telmisartan and valsartan. CONCLUSIONS: From the perspective of the nephropathic child, the taste of pulverized candesartan cilexetil is superior to that of irbesartan, losartan, telmisartan or valsartan.