Elixir Additives: Chemical Stabilizers, Coloring, and Flavoring Agents

Elixir Formulation

• Parabens and antioxidants are special chemicals required to make the elixir stable.

Coloring Agents

• Commonly used coloring agents in elixirs include certified dyes, such as FD&C Red 40 and FD&C Yellow 6.

Preservatives in Elixirs

• The purpose of adding preservatives to elixirs is to prevent the growth of microorganisms and extend the product's shelf life.
• Glycerin can act as a preservative in oral liquid formulations, serving as a vehicle.

Pediatric Drops

• The advantage of pediatric drops as pharmaceutical products is their ease of administration, particularly for children and infants.
• Pediatric drops are formulated as small dose volumes to facilitate accurate dosing and minimize the risk of overdose.
• A common disadvantage of pediatric drops is the need for precise measurement and administration, which can be challenging for caregivers.

Drops vs. Syrup

• Drops differ from syrup in terms of concentration and total volume, with drops typically having a higher concentration of the drug per unit volume.
• The high concentration of the drug in drops requires precise measuring devices for administration to ensure accurate dosing.

Formulation of Drops

• The primary reason behind formulating drops with a high concentration of the drug per unit volume is to facilitate accurate dosing and minimize the volume of the formulation.