Time to change the paradigm of children’s medicines from liquid formulations to flexible solid oral dosage forms

Worldwide, people prefer a liquid formulation when pediatric medicines have to be given orally. The syrups and suspensions can be dosed flexibly by increasing the volume with age and weight of the child. We believe that young children can swallow liquids better than solids and prefer to take a

sweet tasting liquid medicine. Simply liquid medicines are what children choose if they are given the chance – or at least that is what we adults think. When new innovative medicines are developed for use in children, the global pharmaceutical industry usually develops a liquid formulation for children if the medicine is to be given orally. In rich countries liquid formulations for oral medicines continue to be the rule.