Elixir

epidemic diseases

An elixir is a sweet liquid used for medical purposes, to be taken orally and intended to cure one's illness.^[1] When used as a pharmaceutical preparation, an elixir contains at least one active ingredient designed to be taken orally.

Etymology

The word was introduced in late

give eternal life

.

Types

Non-medicated elixirs

These are used as

solvents or vehicles for the preparation of medicated elixirs. Active ingredients are dissolved in a 15–⁠50% by volume solution of ethyl alcohol

:

aromatic elixirs (USP)
isoalcoholic elixirs (NF)
compound benzaldehyde elixirs (NF)

Medicated elixirs

These include:

diphenhydramine HCl
sedative and hypnotic elixirs, the former to induce drowsiness, the latter to induce sleep
pediatric elixirs such as chloral hydrate
terpin hydrate

East Asian vitamin drinks

Daily non-alcoholic non-caffeinated 'vitamin drinks' have been popular in East Asia since the 1950s, with

Oronamin from Otsuka Pharmaceutical

perhaps the market leader. Packaged in brown light-proof bottles, these drinks have the reputation of being enjoyed by old men and other health-conscious individuals. Counterparts exist in South Korea and China.

Western

energy drinks

typically have caffeine and are targeted at a younger demographic, with colorful labels and printed claims of increased athletic/daily performance.

Pseudomedicinal drinks

See Patent medicine.

Composition

An elixir is a hydro-alcoholic solution of at least one active ingredient. The alcohol is mainly used to:

Solubilize the active ingredient(s) and some excipients
Retard the crystallization of sugar
Preserve the finished product
Provide a sharpness to the taste
Aid in masking the unpleasant taste of the active ingredient(s)
Enhance the flavor.

The lowest alcoholic quantity that will dissolve completely the active ingredient(s) and give a clear solution is generally chosen. High concentrations of alcohol give burning taste to the final product.

An elixir may also contain the following excipients:

Sugar and/or sugar substitutes like the sugar polyols glycerol and sorbitol.
Preservatives like parabens and benzoates and antioxidants like butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and sodium metabisulfite.
Buffering agents
EDTA
)
flavor enhancers
Coloring agents

Storage

Elixirs should only be stored in a tightly closed, light resistant container away from direct heat and sunlight.

References

^ ^a ^b Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Elixir" . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 9 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 281–282.

[EB1911-1] Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Elixir" . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 9 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 281–282.

[1]

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