What is already known about this subject: * Among children, medication palatability is crucial for adherence to therapeutic regimen. * Several studies have measured the palatability of antimicrobial suspensions in paediatric patients by means of a visual analogue scale palatability score.
What this study adds: * This is the first analysis comparing the taste and smell acceptability of angiotensin II receptor blockers among paediatric patients with kidney disease. * From the perspective of the child with kidney disease, the taste of pulverized candesartan is significantly superior to that of pulverized irbesartan, losartan, telmisartan or valsartan.
Aim: Angiotensin II receptor blockers are widely prescribed in kidney disease. Among children, medication palatability is crucial for adherence.
Methods: Taste and smell acceptability of five angiotensin II receptor blockers were compared among 21 nephropathic children using a visual analogue scale palatability score.
Results: The score assigned to pulverized tablets of candesartan cilexetil was significantly higher than that assigned to pulverized tablets of irbesartan, losartan, telmisartan and valsartan.
Conclusions: From the perspective of the nephropathic child, the taste of pulverized candesartan cilexetil is superior to that of irbesartan, losartan, telmisartan or valsartan.