A recent study of color, shape, taste and even the name of a tablet or pill can have an effect on how patients feel about their medications. Choose an appropriate combination and the placebo effect gives a boost to the pill, can improve results and reduce side effects. Members Now researchers at the University of Bombay, New Mumbai, India, examined the over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to see how the color of a compressed influence patient choice.Patients may trust their doctor or pharmacist, but this does not mean that the pill more bitter. ‘Patients undergo a sensory experience every time you self-administer a drug, if it is to swallow a tablet or capsule, a tablet to chew, swallow a liquid or apply a cream or ointment,’ says the team. ‘ The ritual involving perceptions can greatly influence the opinion of the effectiveness of treating a patient. ‘The researchers suggest that it may be possible to s’ ensure that all the sensory elements of the drug administered to work together to create a positive perception of the attributes that complement medical
The research has implications for the marketing of prescription drugs to the different age groups and for men and women. However, given that compliance with medication is highly dependent on the patient’s perception of the study drug could also have important connotations for improving effects. If patients are reluctant to take a tablet they consider bitter or sour or simply because they do not like the color, then a change of appearance may be required. The same research could also apply to prescription drugs.
The two middle-aged people preferred red tablets as younger adults and more women chose red tablets as were chosen by men.
The color seems to be part of an over the counter, the team said.