What are the FLAVORx Formulary Systems?

There are two systems: Human Pediatric and Veterinary. They are compendiums of compounding formulas that allow pharmacists and veterinarians to take bitter or bad-tasting prescriptions or over-the-counter (OTC) medications and flavor them to make them more palatable so the patient can swallow the recommended dosage and recover more quickly. Receiving the therapeutic benefits of the drugs shortens the duration of illness and decreases the risk of escalating to more serious medical consequences.

Is FLAVORx only for children's medications?

No. The problem of taking or administering unpleasant-tasting medications is not unique to kids; many adults, geriatric patients and pets have similar issues. For these reasons, there are FLAVORx flavors geared toward the elderly and species-specific flavors for animals.

Won’t it pose a problem for pediatric patients if a medicine tastes “too good”? Won’t they take too much of it?

No. Adults must always keep medicines out of the reach of children and in a lock-top container. Our goal is to make medicines more palatable, not candy-like, so that a child can swallow them, follow his/her doctor’s orders and get the therapeutic benefits of the drug, as intended.

Isn't it just a discipline issue when a child won’t take his/her medicine?

Usually not. Many Rx and OTC preparations taste pretty bad; just ask Kenny Kramm, founder and CEO of FLAVORx. He has tested and tasted every single medication that is flavored according to the FLAVORx Formularies (human and veterinary!). If a child gags or throws up his/her medicine, it is a taste problem, and usually not a disciplinary one. Although drugs are made to help people recover from illness, many liquid medications are made from chemical compounds that are often bitter and/or acidic, highly disagreeable to a child.

Do FLAVORx flavorings alter the effectiveness, or change the strength of medicines?

No. FDA-approved FLAVORx flavorings offer the medical patient an attractive alternative to medicines, without altering the efficacy (‘effectiveness’) or stability (‘chemical soundness’) of the drug. All FLAVORx flavors undergo stability, compatibility, pH and organoleptic (‘smell and taste’) testing to ensure efficacy. More than 48 million prescriptions have been flavored using the FLAVORx Systems, without a single case of instability, adverse side effect or allergic reaction. FLAVORx prides itself in its safety record and ease of administration.

What are the ingredients in FLAVORx flavorings?

All FLAVORx flavors are sugar-free, dye-free, contain no sodium or phosphates and are non-allergenic. There are natural oils, natural or natural/artificial flavor blends and artificial flavors on the FLAVORx rack. The vast majority of flavors are alcohol-free; those formulas that do require alcohol contain less than 10%.

Can FLAVORx flavorings be added to over-the-counter (OTC) medications, like cough syrup?

Yes. Many OTC preparations are as bad-tasting as prescription medications. Your pharmacist or veterinarian can make just about any liquid, tablet or capsule into a tasty, flavored liquid. And if you, or the patient, aren’t crazy about your choice (or Fido's), the medicine can be re-flavored with another one.

Which FLAVORx flavors are the most requested by children? By pet owners?

Among kids, Bubblegum is the favorite, with Grape and Watermelon close seconds. Although not quite as popular, we do offer Pina Colada, Mocha Cappuccino and Licorice. Over the years, we have received several unusual requests, such as the child who wanted Macaroni-and Cheese flavor. Seasonal favorites, such as Pumpkin Pie and Candy Cane, are also crowd-pleasers.

Dogs love meats, sweets and cheese, e.g., Crispy Bacon, Scrumptious Peanut Butter, Cheesie Cheddar; cats mouths foam with bitter tastes, and they vomit when things are too sweet, so their choices tend to be Grilled Tuna, Salmon Steak or Fish Chowder. Fruit Supreme and Mom’s Banana Bread sit well with birds, while pocket pets (gerbils and hamsters, for instance) favor Tangy Apple or Cherry Blast, among others.

How much does it cost to get a medicine FLAVORx-flavored?

Prices vary. Since a pharmacist or veterinarian requires additional time and effort to compound and flavor a medication, there is a small fee charged, which is determined by your drug store or animal hospital.

Where can I find a FLAVORx pharmacy or animal hospital?

The FLAVORx Systems are available in more than 30,000 chain drug stores or independent pharmacies in North America and in over 2,000 veterinary clinics in the U.S. To find the pharmacy closest to you, go to our Pharmacy Locater, enter your zip code, and the locations nearest you will appear.