Why Don't Pharmaceutical Companies Make Medicines in Tasty Fruity Flavors? Is It So Difficult?

You might wonder why pharmaceutical companies don't make medicines more palatable and in tasty fruity flavors. After all, who doesn't prefer a sweet treat over a bitter one?

The simple answer is that it is not as simple as it seems. There are several reasons why pharmaceutical companies opt for chemical coatings over natural flavors. This article will explore these reasons in detail.

If It Tastes Bad, It Must Be Good for You

Medicines are made to combat a variety of ailments, and while they often contain strong chemicals, these chemicals are carefully controlled and processed to ensure safety and efficacy. When you ingest a medicine, you don't just consume the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API); you consume a blend of excipients and other ingredients that significantly affect the drug's stability, absorption, and release profile.

The coating material used in tablets is there to protect the API, ensuring that it reaches its intended destination in the body undisturbed. This coating material is crucial because it shields the API from degradation, microbial contamination, and adverse reactions. Much like the protective layers on a high-tech gadget, these coatings are designed to maintain the integrity of the medicinal product.

Natural vs. Artificial Flavours

Many people are familiar with the idea that natural flavors can be problematic. Natural flavors are not just about taste; they can also impact the chemical stability and shelf life of the medicine. If natural flavors are used, they can attract microbial contamination, leading to spoilage and instability. Artificial flavors, on the other hand, are specifically formulated to impart the desired flavor without introducing additional risks to the product's stability.

The stable properties of artificial flavors make them a safer choice for pharmaceutical use. They do not interfere with the shelf life or the integrity of the medicine, ensuring that it remains effective for a longer period. For instance, syrups and chewable tablets often use artificial flavors, but this approach is less suitable for traditional tablet forms.

Stability, Compatibility, and Expiry

Another critical factor in the decision against using natural flavors is the issue of stability. Natural flavors can lead to early expiry of the product, which is a significant concern for pharmaceutical companies. A medicine with an expiry date of two years isn't ideal, especially if it can be maintained for a much longer period, such as five years. This stability ensures that patients receive a consistent and reliable treatment, which is vital for accurate dosing and efficacy.

When it comes to flavors, even artificial ones can pose challenges. For instance, the use of natural flavors in the manufacturing process of certain medicines can affect the cytochrome P450 (CYP) systems in the liver, leading to potential drug interactions and complications. This is a critical consideration for pharmaceutical companies, who must balance the need for palatability with the safety and effectiveness of their products.

Standard Practices and Patient Safety

Some medicines, like Eno and certain chewable or syrup-based forms, do have natural or artificial flavors to enhance their palatability. However, these forms are specifically designed to be swallowed without chewing or dissolving, which allows for better control over the dosing and ensures the medicine reaches the intended part of the body.

In traditional tablet forms, where swallowing is the primary method of consumption, adding flavors can be problematic. People might avoid swallowing the medicine if it tastes too good, leading to improper administration. To avoid this, pharmaceutical companies adhere to standard practices that ensure the proper ingestion of medicines, thus safeguarding patient safety.

Conclusion

While it might seem counterintuitive, the choice to use chemical coatings over natural flavors in pharmaceutical products is driven by a combination of safety, efficacy, and stability. Although some companies have found ways to enhance the flavors of certain medicines, such as Eno and pediatric emulsions, these are not universal solutions. The quest for a better taste in medicines is ongoing, but it must always be balanced with the need to maintain product integrity and safety.

Pharmaceutical companies remain dedicated to developing innovative solutions that improve patient compliance, but these solutions must be scientifically sound and clinically proven. The future of flavored medicines may include more sophisticated formulations and coatings, but it will always prioritize the health and safety of the patient.