EVALUATION OF TASTE MASKING OF ONDANSETRON USING INSENT TASTE SENSING SYSTEM

Abstract

The most important evaluation required for taste masked dosage forms is the complete masking of bitter or unacceptable taste of drug. It is very
important to evaluate and quantify the bitter taste of drug and masking effects of taste masking agents used in formulation. Ondansetron was studied as
model bitter drug. Insent Taste Sensing system was used to assess the bitterness of drug, taste masking potential of Neotame and its comparison to
human sensory taste panel. Bitterness sensor specially designed by Insent for Ondansetron was used to measure its bitterness. Ondansetron solutions
showed linear response to this sensor in range of 0.008 mM to 0.164 mM. Bitterness of Quinine hydrochloride solution was compared with Ondansetron
solutions and sensor response indicated 0.01mM of Ondansetron corresponds to 0.1mM of Quinine hydrochloride. Quinine as standard bitter drug was
taste evaluated in the concentration of 0.013 mM to 0.1 mM using human sensory panel and bitterness score was assigned. The concentration in the
range of 0.045 mM to 0.1 mM corresponding to Bitterness score 4, 5, and 6 was evaluated with different Neotame concentrations (0.001 to 0.0003
mM). Suitability of Neotame as taste masking agent for Ondansetron was evaluated and it was observed that it reduces bitterness intensity measured as
Change in Membrane Potential (CPA values) due to adsorption perceived as “After taste” from 22.47 mv to 16.54 mv.