Chapter 11: Presentational and Organoleptic Aspects of Formulation

Patient compliance with pharmaceutical treatment is often poor. Failure to take the product will mean that it cannot exert its therapeutic effect. The formulator should seek to reduce as far as possible any aspects of the product that can reduce the patient's perception of its quality and hence their willingness to take it (and often to take it repeatedly for an extended time). By paying attention to the acceptability of the product to the patient and (where relevant) their carer, it is possible to enhance compliance and hence therapeutic effect. This chapter focuses on how those factors that can be readily appreciated by the patient using their senses (called organoleptic factors) can be measured and managed throughout the pharmaceutical development process in order to enhance acceptability. Topics covered include the importance of acceptability; taste, including how it can be managed; texture (including mouthfeel and skin feel); aroma; appearance; and packaging.