Mixing Pimavanserin With Soft Food Earns Favorable Ratings for Swallowability, Taste

When pimavanserin capsules were broken and the contents mixed with applesauce, pudding, yogurt, or a nutritional drink, older adults considered the medication’s taste and swallowability acceptable, according to a study published online in Geriatrics.

“Oral administration of medication is often preferred by patients based on its convenience and acceptability. However, adherence to oral medications may be hindered by swallowing difficulties,” researchers wrote. “Dysphagia is common, occurring in 7% to 13% of individuals over 65 years of age and over 50% among those in nursing homes. The prevalence for patients with Parkinson’s disease is higher, ranging from 11% to 81%.”

The study gauged the palatability and swallowability of pimavanserin 34-mg capsules when mixed with selected soft foods and a nutritional drink in a group of healthy older adults. In all, 18 older adults, average age 65, rated taste and swallowability of pimavanserin administered in applesauce, chocolate pudding, yogurt, or vanilla Ensure. Participants also gave feedback on the ease of capsule manipulation for mixing.

Most participants reported favorable taste when pimavanserin was mixed with chocolate pudding or the vanilla-flavored nutritional drink, according to the study. When mixed with applesauce or yogurt, about a third of participants rated the taste favorably. Swallowability was rated favorably across every food/drink vehicle in the study.

Additionally, healthy older adult participants found pimavanserin capsules easy to open and mix with the foods/drink tested. Of five adverse events reported by participants, all were mild, and just two were deemed to be related to the study treatment by the investigator: diarrhea and vomiting. No treatment-emergent adverse events led to study withdrawal.

“The results of this study may additionally help provide guidance for patients who are taking pimavanserin, but face difficulties with swallowing,” researchers advised.

Reference:
Forman M, Kouassi A, Brandt T, Barsky L, Zamora C, Dekarske D. Palatability and Swallowability of Pimavanserin When Mixed with Selected Food Vehicles: An Exploratory Open-Label Crossover Study. Geriatrics (Basel). 2021;6(2):61. Published 2021 Jun 15. doi:10.3390/geriatrics6020061