Sweetener Content of Common Pediatric Oral Liquid Medications

The types and concentrations of sweeteners in common prescription liquid and chewable medications for pediatric use were determined by manufacturer survey. Oral-liquid and chewable antibiotic, antifungal, bronchodilator, antihistamine, anticonvulsant, and miscellaneous products were identified. The manufactures were asked by telephone the type and amount of sweeteners in their products. Two follow-up letters requested confirmation of the sweetener contents; manufacturers' approval for publication of the information was also requested by mail. Sweetener information on 160 preparations was obtained. For antibiotics such as ampicillin, amoxicillin, erythromycin ethylsuccinate, and penicillin VK, products from different manufacturers had a wide range of sucrose concentration (18%-80%). Only four antibiotic preparations were sucrose free. The bronchodilators and antihistamines contained either sucrose, sorbitol, or saccharin. The anticonvulsants contained 0%-60% sucrose. Health-care practitioners who prescribe or dispense oral liquid or chewable prescription drug products should know that products in a given category can vary in type and amount of sweetener.