Elixir

An elixir is a clear, sweet-flavored 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 Middle English, through Latin from Arabic al-ʾiksīr (الإكسير), which in turn is the Arabization of Greek xērion (ξήριον) "powder for drying wounds" (from ξηρός xēros "dry").[1]

Types

Non-medicated elixirs

They are used as solvents or vehicles for the preparation of medicated elixirs: aromatic elixirs (USP), isoalcoholic elixirs (NF), or compound benzaldehyde elixirs (NF). Active ingredient dissolved in a solution that contains 15 to 50% by volume of ethyl alcohol.

Medicated elixirs

Antihistaminic elixirs: used against allergy: chlorampheniramine maleate elixirs (USP), diphenhydramine HCl elixirs.
Sedative and hypnotic elixirs: sedatives induce drowsiness, and hypnotics induce sleep: pediatric chloral hydrate elixirs.
Expectorant: used to facilitate productive cough (cough with sputum): terpin hydrate elixirs.
Miscellaneous: acetaminophen (paracetamol) elixirs, which are used as analgesics.

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.

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
Chelating agents like sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)
Flavoring agents and flavor enhancers
Coloring agents

Storage

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

References

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

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