From the Guidelines
You can mix sertraline liquid with a small amount of food or beverage to mask its taste, such as a tablespoon of orange juice, apple juice, lemonade, chocolate milk, or a small amount of yogurt. When mixing, use only a small quantity (1-2 tablespoons) to ensure complete consumption of the medication. It is essential to mix it immediately before taking and have the patient consume the entire mixture to get the full dose 1. Avoid mixing with carbonated beverages, as these can affect the medication's stability. Also, don't mix with grapefruit juice as it can interfere with sertraline metabolism. The bitter taste of sertraline comes from its chemical structure, and masking it with sweet or strong flavors can make it more palatable without affecting its effectiveness. Some key points to consider when administering sertraline to a 17-year-old patient include:
- Starting with a low dose and gradually increasing as needed and tolerated, with a recommended starting dose of 25mg and effective dose of 50mg 1
- Monitoring for potential adverse effects, including switch to mania or the development of behavioral activation or suicide-related events 1
- Informing the patient and family about possible adverse effects and the importance of adherence to the treatment plan 1 If taste remains a significant issue despite these measures, consult with the prescribing doctor about alternative formulations or medications.
From the FDA Drug Label
Sertraline Hydrochloride Oral Concentrate must be diluted before use. Just before taking, use the dropper provided to remove the required amount of Sertraline Hydrochloride Oral Concentrate and mix with 4 oz (1/2 cup) of water, ginger ale, lemon/lime soda or orange juice ONLY. Do not mix Sertraline Hydrochloride Oral Concentrate with anything other than the liquids listed.
The patient can mix sertraline liquid with:
- Water
- Ginger ale
- Lemon/lime soda
- Orange juice to mask the undesirable taste. Do not mix with anything other than the listed liquids. The dose should be taken immediately after mixing 2, 2.
From the Research
Masking the Taste of Sertraline Liquid
To address the issue of the 17-year-old patient's inability to tolerate the taste of sertraline liquid, we can consider the following options:
- Mixing the medication with a strong-tasting food or liquid to mask the undesirable taste, as suggested by the study 3
- Using flavorings or sweeteners to make the medication more palatable, although it is noted that individual experiences and culture mainly determine which odors are attractive, making it challenging to identify a universally appealing flavoring agent 3
- Exploring alternative formulations of sertraline that may be more tolerable for the patient
Considerations for Pediatric Patients
When administering medications to pediatric patients, it is essential to consider their unique sensory capabilities and preferences, as discussed in the study 3. Children have well-developed sensory systems for detecting tastes, smells, and chemical irritants, which can affect their acceptance of medications.
Available Evidence
The available evidence does not provide specific guidance on mixing sertraline liquid with other substances to mask its taste. However, the study 3 suggests that adding pleasant flavor volatiles, such as bubble gum, may help induce children to consume a medicine, but this may not be effective in suppressing strong bitter tastes.
Potential Solutions
Potential solutions to improve the palatability of sertraline liquid for the 17-year-old patient may include:
- Consulting with a healthcare professional or pharmacist to explore alternative formulations or flavoring options
- Using a small amount of a strong-tasting food or liquid to mask the taste of the medication, as suggested by the study 3
- Gradually introducing the medication to the patient to help them become accustomed to the taste