[Bitterness of the mixture of clarithromycin dry syrup and carbocisteine preparation--difference between brand name and generic drugs]

Yakugaku Zasshi. 2008 Mar;128(3):479-85. doi: 10.1248/yakushi.128.479.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the bitterness intensity and pH of the solutions of clarithromycin dry syrup (CAM-DS), carbocisteine preparation (CC), and the concomitant use of both drugs. We conducted 6 types of human gustatory sensation tests with 6 healthy male volunteers. As a result, there was almost no difference in the bitterness intensity of CAM-DS between the branded (the latest and former preparations) and the generic formulations. The bitterness intensity of CAM-DS (the latest and former preparations of the branded as well as the generic formulations) was almost equally enhanced by mixing it with either the branded CC-DS or the branded and the generic carbocisteine granule (CC-Gr). On this occasion, the enhancing the bitterness of the branded CAM-DS (latest and former preparation) was nearly avoided safely by dosage form's changing CC-DS or CC-Gr to the branded CC-Sy. However, unlike the branded CC-Sy, some generic CC-Sy failed to suppress the bitterness. Furthermore, it was proven that some generic CAM-DS were shown to exhibit bitterness when mixed with even branded CC-Sy. In conclusion, it should be noted that the extent of bitterness of the mixture of CAM-DS and CC highly varies among the generic formulations.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents*
  • Carbocysteine*
  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical*
  • Clarithromycin*
  • Dosage Forms
  • Drug Combinations
  • Drug Compounding
  • Drugs, Generic*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Male
  • Taste Threshold*
  • Taste*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Dosage Forms
  • Drug Combinations
  • Drugs, Generic
  • Carbocysteine
  • Clarithromycin