Flavor: The Science of Compliance
Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry…alfalfa? Everyone has their
favorite flavor. That goes for animals too! Which flavor animals prefer is
determined in part by their natural diets. Domesticated animals and pets often
acquire additional taste preference as a result of living with their human
caregivers.
Flavoring an unpleasant medication to increase palatability and compliance
is one of the primary indications for compounding for animals. A readily accepted
medication can improve clinical outcomes and reduce stress for both patients
and owners.
The word flavor refers to a mix of sensations including taste, touch, smell,
sight and even sound (as Pavlov proved with his dogs). The four primary tastes
are sweet, bitter, sour and salty. Taste depends in part on the ions that
are produced in the mouth, but other sensations also play a role. The taste
of a substance can be altered by temperature and concentration. The chemical
structure of commonly used flavors varies. There is a close relationship between
chemical structure and taste. Solubility, the degree of ionization and the
type of ions produced in the saliva influence the brains interpretation of
taste. For example, sour taste is caused by hydrogen ions. Saltiness is due
to the simultaneous presence of both anions and cations such as potassium
bromide. High molecular weight salts may have a bitter taste. Tastes perceived
as sweet are due to polyhydroxy compounds, polyhalogenated aliphatic compounds
and alpha-amino acids. Sweetness increases with the number of hydroxyl groups.
Free bases such as alkaloids and amides give a bitter taste. Synthetic flavors
available to compounding pharmacists are generally used for compounding. They
offer the aroma and flavor of the natural product, but with the added desirable
properties of stability, consistent quality and relatively low cost.
When selecting a flavor for disguising the taste of medications there are
several methods. One method is blending, or adding flavors that blend with
the chemicals natural taste. For instance, adding fruit flavors to a sour
tasting medication or blending with salt to reduce the sourness and increase
sweetness.
Another method, overshadowing, is the addition of a flavor whose intensity
is stronger and longer than the unpalatable taste. A third method is physically
changing the offending drug, such as the formulation of insoluble compounds.
An example would be metronidazole benzoate, the tasteless insoluble salt of
the very bitter drug metronidazole. Lastly, some flavors like mint or menthol
are added to anesthetize the tongue. Multiple methods are often employed,
especially when flavoring an extremely unpleasant taste. Most flavors are
enhanced by sweetening, and the compounding pharmacist must also select the
appropriate natural or artificial sweetener.
Mouth feel is also important. Gritty and chalky would be unpleasant sensations.
Smooth, creamy, and in the case of many cats and dogs, oily consistencies
are more pleasant. The choice of vehicle also influences the final product
taste. Suspensions, especially those made with xanthan gum or other mucilaginous
agents can improve taste by forming a colloidal protective coating over the
taste buds. The final important consideration is chemical compatibility between
flavoring agents and active ingredients insuring the stability of the final
preparation.
Pulling it all together with both the science and the art of flavoring,
the compounding pharmacist can "help to make the medicine go down"
The information contained on this site
is general in nature and is intended for use as an informational aid. It does
not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions
of the products shown, nor is the information intended as medical advice or
diagnosis for individual health problems or for making an evaluation as to the
risks and benefits of using a particular product. You should consult your doctor
about diagnosis and treatment of any health problems. Information and statements
have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"),
nor has the FDA approved the products to diagnose, cure or prevent disease.
Wedgewood compounded veterinary medicines are not
intended for use in food and food-producing animals.
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