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FLAVORx has developed formulations to successfuly
flavor the most common acid reflux medications. Beyond just
flavoring the commercially available forms, FLAVORx has developed
methods to provide safer and more effective liquid solutions
to treat reflux symptoms.
Bethesda, MD (PRWEB) February 9, 2006 - If you suffer from
acid reflux you are in good company; Ashlee Simpson, John
Elway, Joss Stone, Sam Donaldson, Jim Palmer, President Bill
Clinton and President George Bush, all have acid reflux. Reflux
sufferers have long endured not only the pain and discomfort
of reflux symptoms, but also unpleasant and chalky, alcohol-heavy,
strong peppermint-flavored medicine concoctions used to control
the condition. Thankfully, FLAVORx Inc, the company that has
specialized in developing medicinal flavorings for over 10
years, has made adjustments to accommodate commercially available
liquid reflux  medications
that keep them safe and effective but are much more taste
bud-friendly and less traumatic going down. Acid reflux and
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are conditions that
commonly affect adults, but are also seen in children (Rosie
O'Donnell's son, and Celine Dion's son both suffer from acid
reflux) and more specifically, infants. Reflux is extremely
common in premature babies, and children with cystic fibrosis,
muscular or neurological problems and conditions such as Down’s
syndrome. The good news is that over 90% of children afflicted
with reflux will eventually outgrow it. But until they do,
FLAVORx is committed to providing a palatable and successful
solution to the bitter and stinging taste sensation of commerically
available medications.
The definition of "reflux" is the splashing or
pushing of stomach contents backwards into the esophagus (and
sometimes mouth and nose). This is the result of weakened
muscle tissue surrounding the esophagus and stomach that allow
stomach contents to flow backward. The most common complaint
is heartburn, but other symptoms include vomiting, coughing,
wheezing, recurrent pneumonia and even difficulty gaining
weight. In infants, reflux is typically the result of an immature
or underdeveloped digestive system. For older children and
adults, gastrointestinal problems are typically associated
with lifestyle choices such as improper diet, lack of exercise,
smoking and excessive alcohol intake. Medications to neutralize
stomach acid include antacids (Mylanta and Maalox), H2 acid
blockers (Tagamet, Zantac and Pepcid) and enzyme-blocking
proton-pump inhibitors (Prevacid, Prilosec, Nexium and Axid).
Zantac, one of the most popular H2 acid blockers, is available
commercially in a syrup that is specifically beneficial to
babies and children who can't swallow tablets. However, Zantac
syrup contains 7.5% alcohol (common alcoholic beverages like
beer contain between 5-7%), a high level for children, and
even some adults, especially if taking multiple doses. In
addition, the active ingredient, Ranitidine HCl, has a very
bitter taste and sulfur-like odor, which are both masked with
a strong peppermint flavor that unfortunately carries an extremely
powerful and stinging taste and sensation, especially to young
palates.
After receiving many calls from parents regarding flavoring
for Zantac syrup, FLAVORx retreated to its laboratories to
study what flavors would pair best. Its strong peppermint
flavor and high alcohol content made it difficult to work
with so FLAVORx came up with a new solution. From Zantac tablets,
FLAVORx researchers created a suspension using FLAVORx’s
proprietary Sweetening Enhancer to make a sweet and sugar-free
vehicle to cover up the bitter taste of the Ranitidine HCl.
This suspension is easily manipulated to pair successfully
with a multitude of flavors, including grape, raspberry and
bubblegum.
Through further testing, FLAVORx researchers found that alkaline
flavors such as grape and bubblegum retain the integrity and
work best in proton-pump inhibitors such as Prevacid and Prilosec
while the Sweetening Enhancer decreases bitterness and saltiness.
Depending on the vehicles and excipients used, the suspension
is stable if kept in the refrigerator for 14 days without
fear of decrease in efficacy.
Because FLAVORx President and CEO, Kenny Kramm experienced
the burdens of GERD with his youngest daughter Hadley, he
was particularly dedicated to finding the right solutions
to treat acid reflux. "The sleepless nights, the pain
and helplessness of a young child dealing with severe reflux
are absolutely heartbreaking. As a parent, it's exhausting.
As a company, I knew we needed to, and hoped that we would
successfully be able to, do something to help these kids and
parents worldwide."
To express your opinions on reflux treatment, take the Acid
Reflux and GERD survey by clicking on http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=907031756479.
To learn more about acid reflux or GERD, visit www.reflux.org,
an online resource for parents and children.
For FLAVORx information visit www.flavorx.com
or please contact Teresa Chen at 800.884.5771,
extension 234.
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