Table 2.

Advantages and disadvantages of multiparticulates for the preparation of age-appropriate products.

Product characteristic	Advantages	Disadvantages
Efficacy/acceptability
Dosage	Excellent flexibility of dose Small size/swallowing is aided	Grittiness/mouthfeel may be an issue
Preparation	Flexibility of administration	Need for preparation/reconstitution
Compliance	Ease of functionalization Suitable for taste masking
Safety profile
Bioavailability	Highly reproducible due to uniform GI transit Targeted release profiles can be achieved	Co-administration with food/drinks may alter bioavailability
Excipients	Use of Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS) excipients
Stability		Food-drug compatibility needs to be studied
Medication error		Limited control over dose intake when mixed with food
Patient access
Manufacturability		May need specialize equipment or accessories
Affordability	Manufacturing technology readily available	Need to develop packaging/dosing technology platform