Application properties of oral gels as media for administration of minitablets and pellets to paediatric patients.

Modern solid multiparticulate drug forms (minitablets, pellets, granules) can provide the possibility of precise dosing or modified drug release or taste masking for medicines used in children. However, these solid particles require an adequate medium to ease swallowing. The aim of the research was to design a universal semisolid dispersing medium for administration of minitablets and pellets. High viscosity sodium carmellose and carbomer were considered as gelling agents. The hydrogels were prepared with sucrose, glycerol, and potassium sorbate or parabens. Preliminary studies were undertaken to estimate the application properties of the gels under conditions where a medicine is administered to a child. Besides standard tests (viscosity, sedimentation) the following measurements were conducted: gel ductility, mass of the gel removed from a spoon under shaking, ability of the gels to disperse solid particles, and disintegration of minitablets in the gels. The oral hydrogels prepared either with 1.0% and 1.5% carmellose or 0.25% and 0.5% (w/w) carbomer were suitable for dispersing and delivery of minitablets or pellets. Not only viscosity but also ductility was an essential criterion in selecting the best vehicle. The in vivo perceptibility test for pellets and minitablets did not confirm that gels are more advantageous than syrups.