Elixirs are defined as clear, aromatic, sweetened, hydroalcoholic liquids intended for oral use.
• They provide a palatable means of administering
potent or nauseous drugs.
• Elixirs are less sweet and less viscous then syrup
may contain less or no sucrose.
• Elixirs are more stable than syrups and hence
preferred over syrup.
• Elixirs contain 4-40% of alcohol (ethanol).
• They may contain glycerin and syrup for increasing
the solubility of medicaments or for sweetening purposes.
• Elixirs may also contain suitable flavoring and coloring
agents.
• Preservatives are not needed in elixirs as the alcohol
content is sufficient to act as a preservative.
Types of Elixirs
Non-medicated:
Not contain medicament and used as a flavoring agent. For example: Aromatic elixir.
Medicated: These
contain potent drugs such as antibiotics, antihistamines, and sedatives.
Method of Preparation
• Elixirs are prepared by simple dissolution with
agitation or by mixing two or more liquids.
• Ingredients are dissolved in their respective
solvents. For example alcohol-soluble ingredients in alcohol and water soluble
in water.
• Alcoholic strength is maintained by adding the
aqueous solution to the alcoholic solution.
• The mixture is then made up to the desired volume
(q.s.).
• At this stage the product may not be clear due to the
separation of some of the flavoring agents because the alcoholic strength is
reduced.
• Then elixir is allowed to stand for some time here
the oil globules start precipitating.
• Then elixir is filtered.
• Talc can be added to absorb the excess of oils.
• Filtration gives a clear product.
Formulation of Elixir
1. Vehicles:
The elixirs are usually prepared by using water, alcohol, glycerin, sorbitol, and
propylene glycol. Certain oils are easily soluble in alcohol where alcohol is
used as cosolvent. 30-40% of alcohol may be used to make a clear solution.
2. Adjuncts
(a) Chemical stabilizer: Various
chemicals or special solvents are used in many elixirs to make suitable elixirs.
E.g. For neomycin elixir – citric acid is added to adjust pH.
(b) Colouring agent:
Amaranth, and compound tartrazine dyes are used for colouring purposes.
(c) Flavouring agent:
Black currant syrup, raspberry syrup, lemon syrup, etc.
(d) Preservatives:
Alcohol 20% or more propylene glycol or glycerol as a vehicle is used as a preservative.
Chloroform desirable strength, benzoic acid may also be used.
3. Container: Elixirs are dispensed in well-filled, well-closed air-tight, or glass bottles having screw caps.
4. Storage: Store in a cool
and dry place, protected from sunlight.
Formula of Elixirs
Rx
Lemon oil - 0.025 ml
Syrup - 375 ml
Talc - 30 gm
Purified water - q.s. to 1000 ml