Metronidazole has an extremely bitter taste which is very difficult to
mask. It is slightly soluble
in water and alcohol. The commercially available suspension is
formulated as the benzoate to improve palatability and this product should
be used whenever possible.
Irwin et al1 investigated the stability, palatability and bioavailability of the following formulation.
Formula 1
Metronidazole Suspension 15mg per mL |
| |
| Metronidazole tablets 250mg |
6 |
|
| Water |
2 |
mL |
| Chocolate-Cherry syrup |
to 100 |
mL |
| |
| Use the water to wet the tablets and grind to a paste. |
| |
|
Expiry: 30 days. Two months was suggested in the study but in-use conditions were not assessed. |
| |
|
Storage: Refrigerate. |
| |
|
Shake well before use |
| |
|
|
|
NOTES
- Formula for the Chocolate-Cherry syrup:
| Artificial Wild Cherry Flavour (Fritzsche) |
0.6 |
mL |
| Syrup BP |
300 |
mL |
| Chocolate Syrup (Nestle Quik) |
to 500 |
mL |
The chocolate flavour appears to be the most important factor in masking the taste. An alternative combination of syrup and chocolate flavour may be acceptable. The cherry flavour provides a pleasant aroma but is not essential. Formulations using plain syrup are less palatable.
- Ensure that the preparation is adequately preserved. Most commercially available syrups contain a preservative.
- This formulation provided an AUC comparable to that of the equivalent tablet dose.1
REFERENCE
- Irwin D, Dupuis LL, Prober CG, Tesoro A. The acceptability, stability and relative bioavailability of an extemporaneous metronidazole suspension. Can J Hosp Pharm 1987; 40(2): 42-46.
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