Comparison of the palatability of the oral suspension of cefdinir vs. amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium, cefprozil and azithromycin in pediatric patients

Abstract

Background: Patient adherence to therapeutic regimens is extremely important to successful treatment of acute otitis media. Among pediatric patients medication palatability, particularly that of oral suspensions, is essential for patient acceptance, therapeutic compliance and successful outcome.

Methods: A series of six randomized, single blind, crossover trials were conducted, each comparing cefdinir oral suspension with one of the following antibiotic oral suspensions: amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium; cefprozil; or azithromycin. Each medication comparison was evaluated in a single center and multicenter study. Subjects 4 to 8 years of age were asked to taste and smell each medication and assign preference using a visual "smile-face" scale. Ratings were converted to a numeric score ranging from 5 ("really good") to 1 ("really bad").

Results: Among the 715 subjects 85% rated the taste of cefdinir as good or really good, the highest possible ratings; 63% of subjects assigned the same ratings to amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium, cefprozil or azithromycin. Seventy-one percent rated the smell of cefdinir as good or really good; 64% assigned the same ratings to the comparators.

Conclusions: Based on the findings from these trials, children 4 to 8 years of age preferred the taste and smell of cefdinir oral suspension to that of the comparator agents.