Podcast
Questions and Answers
Elixirs are intended solely for therapeutic effects and not for palatability.
Elixirs are intended solely for therapeutic effects and not for palatability.
False
Medicated elixirs are those that contain no therapeutic substances.
Medicated elixirs are those that contain no therapeutic substances.
False
Elixirs typically contain 4-40% alcohol content.
Elixirs typically contain 4-40% alcohol content.
True
Elixirs with poor water solubility components require a lower proportion of alcohol.
Elixirs with poor water solubility components require a lower proportion of alcohol.
Signup and view all the answers
Most elixirs use sucrose as their primary sweetening agent.
Most elixirs use sucrose as their primary sweetening agent.
Signup and view all the answers
Elixirs that contain more than 10% alcohol are usually self-preserving.
Elixirs that contain more than 10% alcohol are usually self-preserving.
Signup and view all the answers
Elixirs can be stored in common containers without concern.
Elixirs can be stored in common containers without concern.
Signup and view all the answers
One advantage of elixirs is their flexibility in dosing.
One advantage of elixirs is their flexibility in dosing.
Signup and view all the answers
Elixirs are typically prepared by mixing two liquid ingredients without agitation.
Elixirs are typically prepared by mixing two liquid ingredients without agitation.
Signup and view all the answers
Alcohol-soluble and water-soluble components should be dissolved together in water before mixing.
Alcohol-soluble and water-soluble components should be dissolved together in water before mixing.
Signup and view all the answers
The mixture of aqueous and alcoholic solutions in elixir preparation maintains the highest possible alcoholic strength.
The mixture of aqueous and alcoholic solutions in elixir preparation maintains the highest possible alcoholic strength.
Signup and view all the answers
Most official and commercial elixirs typically contain more than one therapeutic agent.
Most official and commercial elixirs typically contain more than one therapeutic agent.
Signup and view all the answers
In a medicated elixir with multiple therapeutic agents, adjusting the dose of one agent affects all others.
In a medicated elixir with multiple therapeutic agents, adjusting the dose of one agent affects all others.
Signup and view all the answers
The alcoholic concentration in a non-medicated elixir should be significantly lower than that in the medicated elixir being diluted.
The alcoholic concentration in a non-medicated elixir should be significantly lower than that in the medicated elixir being diluted.
Signup and view all the answers
Unofficial elixirs are not recognized by the USP or NF and can be sold under trade names.
Unofficial elixirs are not recognized by the USP or NF and can be sold under trade names.
Signup and view all the answers
Lactated pepsin elixir is an example of an elixir that uses only alcohol as a solvent.
Lactated pepsin elixir is an example of an elixir that uses only alcohol as a solvent.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Elixirs
- Clear, sweetened hydroalcoholic solutions for oral use
- Usually flavored to enhance taste
Types of Elixirs
- Non-medicated: Used as vehicles for other drugs
- Medicated: Used for the therapeutic effect of the medicinal substances they contain
Alcohol Content
- Varies significantly due to different water and alcohol solubility of components
- Official elixirs have 4-40% alcohol
- Elixirs with poor water solubility components require higher alcohol content
Solvents
- Primarily alcohol and water
- Glycerin and propylene glycol may be used as additional solvents
Sweeteners
- Common: sucrose or sucrose syrup
- Alternatives: sorbitol, glycerin, and artificial sweeteners
- High alcohol content elixirs use artificial sweeteners like saccharin due to sucrose's low alcohol solubility
Flavors and Colors
- All elixirs contain flavorings for palatability
- Most elixirs have coloring agents for appearance
Stability
- High alcohol content (10-12%) generally makes them self-preserving
- No need for antimicrobial agents
Advantages of Elixirs
- Dosage flexibility
- Ease of administration
Disadvantages of Elixirs
- Alcohol content can be problematic for children and those avoiding alcohol
Usual Dosage
- One or two teaspoons (5-10mL) for most elixirs
Storage
- Tight, light-resistant containers
- Stored in cool conditions
Preparation Methods
- Simple solution with agitation
- Admixture of two or more liquid ingredients
Mixing Processes
- Alcohol-soluble components dissolved in alcohol
- Water-soluble components dissolved in purified water
- Aqueous solution is added to alcoholic solution to maintain high alcohol strength
Medicated Elixirs
- Most contain a single therapeutic agent
- Usually contain 25-100% average single drug dose per 5mL (one teaspoon)
- Advantage of single agent: dosage can easily be increased or decreased
Unofficial Elixirs
- Not recognized by the USP or NF
- Often sold under trade names
- Examples: B.co elixir, Ferro B elixir, Toniphose elixir
-
Lactated pepsin elixiris an example of an elixir using only water as a solvent
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
This quiz explores the characteristics and types of elixirs, including medicated and non-medicated variations. It also covers the role of alcohol content, solvents, sweeteners, and stabilizers in elixirs. Test your knowledge on the formulation and usage of these flavorful solutions!
