# The case for chewable tablets: reducing single-use plastic waste in pediatrics

## TL;DR

This paper argues that using chewable tablets instead of liquid suspensions can reduce plastic waste in pediatric healthcare.

## Contribution

The study highlights underutilized medication formats as a novel solution to reduce single-use plastic waste in pediatrics.

## Key findings

- Chewable tablets and stair-step dosing can replace liquid suspensions.
- Small changes in medication administration can significantly reduce plastic waste.

## Abstract

Pediatric medications inflate healthcare-associated plastic waste because many are given as liquid suspensions due to a need for weight-based dosing. While chewable tablet formulations and stair-step dosing recommendations are available, they are underutilized. We demonstrate the potential of small changes to medication administration to decrease plastic waste.