Elixirs are clear, sweetened hydroalcoholic liquids for oral use, containing ingredients like ethyl alcohol and flavoring agents. They can be classified as non-medical (for flavor) or medical (containing active ingredients like medications). When formulating elixirs, considerations include vehicle, adjuncts, chemical stability, preservatives, and storage conditions.

1. ELIXIRS
MR. SYLVESTER DAKA
BPHARM, MSC Candidate

2. Definition
• Elixirs are clear, sweetened and flavoured hydro
alcoholic liquid preparations intended for oral use
• Main ingredients include ethyl alcohol, glycerin or
propylene glycol, flavouring agents, colouring
agents,water and some suitable preservatives

3. Types of Elixirs
• Non- Medical (flavoured Elixirs)- Used as flavouring
agents or syrups containing lemon juice, orange
juice, raspberry juice.
• Medical Elixirs - These contain potent medications
e.g paracetamol, isoniazid, antibiotics,
antihistamine or sedatives etc.

4. Formulation of Elixirs
• When formulating elixirs, the following must be
considered.
1. Vehicle- Water, Alcohol, syrups,glyy, sorbitol and
propylene glycol
2. Adjuncts- used to improve stability, efficacy and
palatability
• Chemical stability- Citric acid and disodium
• Preservatives- 20% alcohol, methy paraben , propyl
paraben

5. • Colouring agents- Coal tar dyes
• Flavouring agents- Black currant syrup, raspberry
syrup, lemon,orange
• Sweeterners- Sugar usually sucrose
Example
Rx
Chloral hydrates 40g
Purified Water. 20ml
Black currant syrup 200ml
Syrup. to 1000ml
Make an elixir , send : 30ml

6. Label:
One teaspoonful to be given at night
Storage
The elixirs are stored in well closed air tight glass
container at cool dry place protected fry light

7. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION
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~Albert Einstein