Elixirs and Their Preparation

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Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of using a suitable solvent in the extraction process?

To dissolve the maximum amount of inert substances

To extract the active substances while minimizing inert substances (correct)

To ensure homogenization of the crude drug

To enhance the viscosity of the final product

Which of the following substances is NOT typically extracted by water?

Glycosides

Alkaloids

Inert gums (correct)

Resins

What effect do inert substances have on the final Galenical extract?

They increase the potency of the active substances

They facilitate quicker extraction of active ingredients

They can cause darkening through oxidation over time (correct)

They enhance the flavor profile of the extract

What is one issue that occurs when mucilaginous materials are extracted?

They hinder the separation of soluble and insoluble materials Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the term 'menstruum' in extraction?

The solvent used in the extraction process Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of Salicylic Acid Collodion USP?

To serve as a keratolytic agent Signup and view all the answers

Which ingredient is combined with pyroxylin to make collodion flexible?

Castor oil Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of glycerin in preparations?

It is hygroscopic Signup and view all the answers

How should liniments be applied to the skin?

By gentle rubbing Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of glycerin is typically present in glycerites?

50% minimum Signup and view all the answers

What is an important storage requirement for oleovitamins?

Under vacuum and protected from light Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding alcoholic liniments?

They are meant for topical use Signup and view all the answers

Which solution is specifically used to aid in the removal of cerumen?

Glycerin alone Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of elixirs that contain over 12% alcohol?

They are usually self-preserving. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when water is added to an elixir?

Ingredients may precipitate due to reduced alcohol content. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to ensure the clarity of elixirs after preparation?

Filter them after a few hours of standing or use talc for clarification. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of adding sucrose to an elixir?

To increase viscosity and reduce solubilizing properties. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of elixir is specifically noted for containing a therapeutic agent?

Medicated elixirs. Signup and view all the answers

Which elixir is specifically mentioned to contain 14% alcohol to keep an ingredient in solution?

Phenobarbital elixir. Signup and view all the answers

What composes the initial step in preparing an elixir with alcohol and water-soluble ingredients?

Dissolve water-soluble substances in part of water. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does alcohol in elixirs have on certain water-soluble ingredients?

It precipitates tracaganth and acacia. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary advantage of using hydro-alcoholic solvents?

They extract efficiently and prevent precipitation. Signup and view all the answers

Which method of extraction involves soaking the drug in the menstruum until its cellular structure is softened?

Maceration Signup and view all the answers

In percolation, how does the menstruum typically flow over the drug?

Downward to the exit orifice. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of glycerin in medicinal formulations?

It provides preservative action. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of the maceration method?

It can take up to 14 days. Signup and view all the answers

Why is alcohol not used alone as a menstruum?

It is too expensive. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the filtration process in extraction?

It removes insoluble materials post-extraction. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'extractive' refer to in the context of percolation?

The dissolved constituents obtained. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of alcohol in fluid extracts?

To protect against microbial growth Signup and view all the answers

Which method is primarily used to prepare fluid extracts?

Percolation Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of fluid extracts makes them potentially unpalatable for patients?

Bitter tasting nature Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of residual preparation mentioned in the content?

Tinctures Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary solvent used for extracting oleoresins?

Acetone or ether Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes galenical resins from other extract types?

They contain water-insoluble constituents. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of extracts, what does the term 'menstrua' refer to?

Suitable solvents used for extraction Signup and view all the answers

What is the end goal of the evaporation process in making extracts?

To concentrate the active constituents Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Elixirs

Aromatic elixirs are flavored, alcoholic solutions containing 21%-23% alcohol.
Compound benzaldehyde elixirs are flavored, alcoholic solutions containing 3%-5% alcohol.
Elixirs are self-preserving if they contain over 12% alcohol.
Elixirs can cause precipitation of ingredients if water is added due to a decrease in alcohol concentration.
Medications extracted from tinctures and fluid extracts can separate from elixirs due to a decrease in alcohol concentration.

Elixir Preparation

Water-soluble substances are dissolved in a portion of water.
Sucrose is added to increase viscosity and decrease water's dissolving power, but only after the primary solution is prepared.
Alcohol-soluble ingredients are dissolved in alcohol.
The aqueous solution is added to the alcoholic solution.
The solution is filtered, and the volume is adjusted to the desired amount.
Elixirs must be clear and can be filtered after standing for a few hours, or clarified with talc to absorb excess oils.

###Types of Elixirs

Non-medicated (Aromatic) elixirs: Used as a pleasant-tasting vehicle.
Medicated elixirs: A therapeutic agent is added to an existing medicated elixir, or a medicated elixir is diluted.
Examples:
- Antihistamine Elixir: For relief of allergies.
- Phenobarbital Elixir: Contains 14% alcohol to keep phenobarbital in solution.

Collodions

Are liquid preparations containing pyroxylin (nitrocellulose derivative) in a mixture of ethyl ether and ethanol.
Applied to the skin using a brush or applicator, leaving a film of pyroxylin after the ether and ethanol evaporate.
Salicylic Acid Collodion USP: Contains 10% w/v Salicylic Acid in Flexible Collodion USP, and is used as a keratolytic agent for corns and warts.
Flexible Collodion: Made by adding castor oil and camphor to collodion, making it more pliable.

Glycerites

Solutions or mixtures of medicinal substances, primarily plant matter, in at least 50% by weight glycerin.
Benzocaine Otic Solution USP: Prepared using glycerin as the sole solvent.
Otic Solutions: Glycerin is used to help remove earwax (cerumen).
Glycerins are hygroscopic and should be stored in tightly closed containers to prevent moisture absorption.

Liniments

Solutions or mixtures of various substances in oil, alcoholic solutions of soaps, or emulsions.
Intended for external application and should be labeled as such.
Applied by rubbing to the affected area.
Oil-based liniments are used for their soothing properties, while alcoholic liniments provide rubefaciant (redness) and counterirritant effects.
Liniments penetrate the skin more readily than oil-based liniments alone.

Oleovitamins

Concentrated vitamins A and D in fish liver oil or edible vegetable oil.
Vitamins are unstable in the presence of rancid oil and should be stored in:
- Small, tight containers.
- Protected from light.
- Under vacuum or inert gas.

Galenical Extraction

The process of separating soluble constituents of crude drugs from insoluble materials (albumin, cellulose, gum, pectin, starch, sugars) using a suitable solvent (menstruum).
Crude drug: The raw plant material.
Extractive: The soluble constituents extracted from the drug.
Marc: The insoluble residue remaining after extraction.
The solvent should extract the maximum amount of active substances and the minimum amount of inert substances to ensure quality and stability.
Inert substance effects:
- Oxidation: Can cause darkening of the extractive over time.
- Hydrolysis: Can convert inert substances into insoluble compounds that precipitate out.

Selection of Menstruum (Solvent)

Water:
- Extracts a considerable amount of substances prone to hydrolysis or oxidation.
- Extracts mucilaginous and carbohydrate materials, leading to viscous solutions that are difficult to process and susceptible to microbial growth.
Alcohol:
- Good solvent for alkaloids, glycosides, and resins. Does not dissolve inert gums, sugars, and albumin.
- Inhibits enzymatic action and microbial growth (preservative).
- Not used alone as a menstrum because it's expensive.
Hydro-alcoholic solvent:
- Combines the advantages of alcohol and water while minimizing their disadvantages.
- Good solvent for many plant substances.
Glycerin:
- A good cosolvent with water/alcohol; it extracts and prevents precipitation of inert materials upon standing.
- Has a preservative action, contributing to the stability of the product.

Methods of Extraction

Maceration:
- Properly comminuted drug is soaked in the menstruum for 2-14 days to soften cellular structures and allow soluble constituents to dissolve.
- The marc is washed to remove any remaining extractive by repeatedly passing more menstruum through the strainer or filter.
- Most efficient method for drugs with little or no cellular material (e.g., benzoin, aloe, tolu).
Percolation:
- Comminuted drug is extracted by the slow passage of a suitable solvent through a packed column of the drug.
- The extracted solution is known as the percolate.
- The flow of menstruum through the column is typically downward, driven by gravity and the weight of the liquid column.
- More sophisticated apparatus may use positive air pressure at the inlet and suction at the outlet to regulate flow.

Fluid Extracts

Liquid preparations of vegetable drugs prepared by percolation.
Contain alcohol as a solvent or preservative, or both.
Each ml contains the therapeutic constituents of 1 g of the standard drug.
Too potent for self-administration, so used as a component in other liquid dosage forms (e.g., syrups).
Often modified with flavoring or sweetening agents to improve taste.

Extracts

Concentrated preparations of vegetable or animal drugs.
Active constituents are extracted using suitable menstrua by percolation.
Solvent is either evaporated completely or nearly completely to a desired concentration.
Can be categorized as:
- Semi-liquids: Liquids with syrup consistency.
- Plastic (pilular) masses: Used in ointment or suppository preparation.
- Dry powders: Used for capsules, powders, or tablets.

Galenical Resins

Prepared by percolating a crude drug with an alcoholic solvent.
The resinous constituents are precipitated by pouring the percolate into water.
Contain alcohol-soluble, water-insoluble constituents of the crude drug.

Oleoresins

Liquid galenical extractives of natural oils and resins, extracted by percolation using acetone or ether as a solvent.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of elixirs, focusing on their composition and preparation techniques. This quiz covers various types of elixirs, including aromatic and compound benzaldehyde elixirs, and the important processes involved in creating effective elixirs. Test your knowledge on their properties and preparation methods!