Pharmaceutical scientists at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) have developed a steroid tablet for more accurate dosing in children. The research is to be released at the inaugural Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences conference - UK PharmSci 2010 - The Science of Medicine, September 1-3.  

The steroid hydrocortisone is commonly used to treat allergic conditions, but also to treat infants and children with serious diseases affecting their adrenal glands.  

Oral tablets are only available in adult strengths, so the required dose for children is commonly achieved by breaking up the 10mg tablet. 

Pharmaceutical scientists from LJMU completed a successful study to demonstrate that mini tablets containing a (lower) child dose could feasibly be produced on an industrial scale. 

LJMU School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Science PhD researcher Faiezah Mohamed said that breaking up adult tablets to get the right dose for children was difficult and could lead to inaccurate dosing. 

"Mini tablets are usually about 2-3mm in diameter and previous research has shown that they are suitable for children aged between two and six years," Miss Mohamed said. "The mini tablets we developed have a significantly better size and weight uniformity compared to breaking up tablets, which improves accuracy of dosing to children." 

About Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU)

Founded in 1825, LJMU has grown into one of the UK's most dynamic and progressive universities. The University currently has around 24,000 students in Liverpool, with a further 4,500 students enrolled on accredited-courses overseas. In 2007, the University launched WOW, a globally unique model of higher education that places industry and employer engagement at the heart of the student experience.