Clorosip straw to help children consume drug treatments

A new drinking straw has been developed by a German pharmaceuticals company that could help children take their medications.

Developed by Grunenthal, which opened a UK operation in April this year, the straw releases a tasteless antibiotic formulation that is masked by the taste of whatever beverage the child may be drinking.

The straw has been developed to counter the fact that many patients find their medicines so unpalatable they refuse to take them, a problem that costs the NHS millions of pounds a year, according to the BBC.

Known as Clorosip, the straw is coated with the tasteless granulated medication, clarithromycin, which is designed to dissolve in the stomach.

A filter on the straw shows when the entire dose of the medication has been taken.

Dr Vas Novelli, consultant in paediatric infectious diseases at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, told BBC News: “If it ensures better compliance with dosing regimens, as well as the completion of a full prescribed course of antibiotics, then this should assist in a child’s recovery from illness.”

The straw can be used with hot and cold drinks including cola. However, pulped drinks such as orange juice are not suitable.

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