Omeprazole is a widely prescribed proton pump inhibitor used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease and other acid-related disorders in children. Despite its clinical importance, the availability of licensed liquid formulations varies worldwide, often resulting in the use of extemporaneously compounded preparations. These liquid products have varying sensory characteristics that can influence patient acceptability. A randomized, single-blind sensory evaluation study was conducted with a panel of 30 adult volunteers (aged 24 ± 2.6 years; 77% female) to assess the palatability of six omeprazole liquid formulations available in the UK. Participants rated taste, aftertaste, smell, and mouthfeel aversiveness using a visual analog scale, overall acceptability using a 5-point facial hedonic scale, and provided qualitative feedback. The compounded 8.4% sodium bicarbonate suspension had a significantly more aversive taste (mean ± standard deviation: 74 ± 31; median interquartile range: 83 63–100) and aftertaste (55 ± 33; 61 23–80) compared with all licensed formulations (p < 0.001), with bitterness being a prominent attribute. The licensed menthol-flavored 10-mg/15-mL oral solution received the lowest taste aversiveness rating (17 ± 23; 6 1–19), and the highest overall acceptability. Other licensed formulations were generally rated as mild to moderately aversive, with some irritating or burning sensations also reported. A sensory analysis revealed clear differences between compounded and licensed omeprazole formulations, highlighting the importance of developing and prescribing palatable age-appropriate formulations for pediatric populations.
Ranmal et al. (Thu,) studied this question.