JOURNAL ARTICLE

Why does Paxlovid make things taste bitter?

  • Published In: Sciencemag.org, 2023. P. N.PAG 1 of 3

  • Database: Applied Science & Technology Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Docter-Loeb, Hannah 3 of 3

Abstract

Paxlovid, an antiviral drug used to treat COVID-19, can cause a persistent bitter taste in the mouth known as "Paxlovid mouth." Researchers have discovered that a component of Paxlovid activates a bitter taste receptor on the tongue, which may explain the unpleasant side effect. The study suggests that the antiviral nirmatrelvir is responsible for the bitter taste, rather than ritonavir as previously suspected. The findings could potentially lead to the development of a "bitter blocker" to alleviate the taste and improve patient adherence to the medication. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Sciencemag.org. 2023/11, pN.PAG
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Health and Medicine
  • Publication Date:2023
  • Accession Number:173777079
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