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Questions and Answers
What is a primary characteristic of medicated elixirs?
What is a primary characteristic of medicated elixirs?
Which range of alcohol content is typical for official elixirs?
Which range of alcohol content is typical for official elixirs?
Why might elixirs containing agents with poor water solubility require a higher proportion of alcohol?
Why might elixirs containing agents with poor water solubility require a higher proportion of alcohol?
Which of the following sweeteners is typically used in elixirs with a high alcoholic content?
Which of the following sweeteners is typically used in elixirs with a high alcoholic content?
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What is one disadvantage of using elixirs for certain populations?
What is one disadvantage of using elixirs for certain populations?
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To ensure longevity and stability, elixirs should be stored in containers that are:
To ensure longevity and stability, elixirs should be stored in containers that are:
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What is a common mode of dosage for most elixirs?
What is a common mode of dosage for most elixirs?
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Which additional solvent is frequently employed in elixirs besides alcohol and water?
Which additional solvent is frequently employed in elixirs besides alcohol and water?
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What is the main advantage of having a single therapeutic agent in a medicated elixir?
What is the main advantage of having a single therapeutic agent in a medicated elixir?
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What should be done to maintain the highest possible alcoholic strength when preparing elixirs?
What should be done to maintain the highest possible alcoholic strength when preparing elixirs?
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Which of the following statements is true regarding non-medicated elixirs?
Which of the following statements is true regarding non-medicated elixirs?
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How is an unofficial elixir characterized?
How is an unofficial elixir characterized?
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What is the primary purpose of the addition of a therapeutic agent in a non-medicated elixir?
What is the primary purpose of the addition of a therapeutic agent in a non-medicated elixir?
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What should be ensured about the components of a non-medicated elixir?
What should be ensured about the components of a non-medicated elixir?
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What percentage of the average single dose of medications do most commercial elixirs contain per 5 ml?
What percentage of the average single dose of medications do most commercial elixirs contain per 5 ml?
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Which of the following elixirs is an example of one that uses only water as a solvent?
Which of the following elixirs is an example of one that uses only water as a solvent?
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Study Notes
Elixirs: Definition and Characteristics
- Elixirs are clear, sweetened, hydroalcoholic solutions for oral use, typically flavored for better taste.
- Their alcohol content varies widely depending on the solubility of the elixir's components.
- Elixirs are prepared with a specific blend of alcohol and water to keep all components dissolved.
- Alcohol content for official elixirs ranges between 4% and 40%.
- Other solvents like glycerin and propylene glycol are frequently used as adjunctive solvents.
- Sweeteners used include sucrose, sorbitol, glycerin, and artificial sweeteners like saccharin.
- Higher alcohol content elixirs often use artificial sweeteners as sucrose dissolves poorly in alcohol and requires larger amounts.
- Flavorings enhance palatability, and coloring agents improve appearance.
- Elixirs with more than 10-12% alcohol are usually self-preserving and do not need additional antimicrobial agents.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Elixirs
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Advantages:
- Offer flexible dosage administration, especially for patients with difficulty swallowing solid forms.
- Provide a pleasant taste compared to other drug forms.
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Disadvantages:
- Alcohol content may be a concern for children and individuals abstaining from alcohol.
Storage and Preparation of Elixirs
- Elixirs should be stored in tight, light-resistant containers, protected from excessive heat.
- Most elixirs are prepared by simple solution with agitation or by combining two or more liquid ingredients.
- Alcohol-soluble components are dissolved in alcohol, while water-soluble components are dissolved in purified water.
- To ensure maximum alcoholic strength, the aqueous solution is added to the alcoholic solution, not the other way around.
Medicated Elixirs
- Most official and commercial elixirs contain a single therapeutic agent, which is preferred.
- One teaspoonful (5 mL) of medicated elixirs typically contains 25-100% of the average single drug dose listed in the USP.
- The primary advantage of single-agent elixirs is the ability to adjust dosage by simply taking more or less of the elixir.
- When multiple agents are present, adjusting the dose of one agent automatically affects the dose of others, which may not be desired.
Non-Medicated Elixirs
- Used as vehicles for adding therapeutic agents or diluting existing medicated elixirs.
- Ideally, the alcohol content of the non-medicated elixir should be slightly above the amount needed to dissolve the drug.
- Diluent elixirs should possess similar alcohol concentration to the medicated elixir being diluted.
- Flavor and color characteristics of the diluent should not clash with the medicated elixir.
- All components should be chemically compatible.
Unofficial Elixirs
- Many elixirs not recognized by the USP or NF are available in the market.
- These are often sold under trade names, examples include B.co elixir, Ferro B elixir, and Toniphose elixir.
- Some elixirs, like lactated pepsin elixir, use water as the primary solvent.
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Description
This quiz explores the definition, characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of elixirs. Understand the components that make up these sweetened hydroalcoholic solutions and their preparation methods. Test your knowledge on the alcohol content and the role of sweeteners and flavorings in elixirs.
