elixier introduction ,types, preparation methods, advantages and disadvantages

1. Topic: ELIXIRS
(Liquid dosage form)

2. OUTLINE
1. Definition.
2. Components.
3. Percentage of alcohol.
4. Types of Elixirs.
5. Examples.
6. Methods of preparation.
7. Storage.
8. Advantage.
9. Disadvantage.

3. Definition of elixirs:
Clear,
Sweetened and,
Flavoured,
Hydro alcoholic liquid preparation,
Intended for oral use.
The BPC describe elixir as:
Being usually sweet ,aromatic preparation frequently
containing alcohol and requiring dilution before use.

4. Components of Elixirs:
Sugar or sugar substitutes like the sugar e.g: polyglycerol
or sorbitol.
Alcohol.
Water.
Flavouring agent and flavour enhancers.
Coloring agents.
Although it is self preserving but preservating agents
may be added like parabins.

5. Percentage of Alcohol:
Alcoholic content vary from 10%
to 12% and upto 40%.

6. Types of Elixirs:
Non medicated
Medicated

7. 1.Non Medicated Elixirs:
The elixirs having no medicament are termed as
Non medicated elixirs.
Non medicated elixirs are used as:
• Flavouring agents
• Vehicles for medication (addition of therapeutic agent)
• Diluting agents(dilution of an existing medicated elixir)
It should have approximately the same alcoholic concentration as the
elixirs being diluted.Examples are aromatic elixir, orange elixir.

8. 2.Medicated Elixirs:
When medical agents are incorporated into
hydro-alcoholic vehicles called medicated elixirs.
Medicated elixirs are used as:
•Medicated elixirs are used for the therapeutic effect of
the medicinal substances they contain.A medicated
elixirs may have only a single therapeutic agent or
more than one.
•They usually contain potent drugs such as
antibiotics, anti-histamine and sedatives.

9. Examples of Elixirs:
• Antihistamine Elixir: Diphenhydramine HCL
• Analgesic Elixir: Acetaminophen
• Cardio-tonic Elixirs: Digoxin
• Sedative Elixir: Phenobarbital

10. Preparation of Elixirs:
By simple solution method
By admixture of two or more liquids

11. Step#1
Alcohol soluble and water soluble
components are generally dissolved
separately in alcohol and in purified
water, respectively .

12. step#2
Then the aqueous solution is added to
the alcoholic solution to maintain the
higher possible alcoholic strength at all
times so, that minimal separation of the
alcohol soluble components occurs.

13. Step#3
When the two solution are completely
mixed, the mixture is made to the
volume with the specified solvent or
vehicle.

14. Step#4
Frequently the final mixture will be
cloudy because of separation of some of
the flavouring oils by the reduced
alcoholic concentration.

15. Step#5
Talc filter is use to absorb excessive
amount of oils and therefore assists in
their removal from the solution.

16. Disadvantages of Elixirs:
•Addiction
•Liver sclerosis
•Sedation
•Dizziness
•Large amount of alcohol cause burning sensation to
the tongue

17. Advantages of Elixirs:
•Taste masker
•Self preservative

18. Storage:
Elixirs should be stored in a
tightly closed and light resistant
container away from direct heat
and sunlight.

19. REFERENCE OF ELIXIRS
• Material taken and adapted from ;
• pharmaceutical dosage forms Ansel.
• From Wikipedia.
• From slideshare.