What is an elixir?

What is an elixir?

• A. Elixirs are a drug vehicle that consists of water, alcohol, and sugar. Their alcohol content makes elixirs convenient liquid dosage forms for many drugs that are only slightly soluble in water.
• B. Elixirs are solid tablets for chewable use.
• C. Elixirs are dry powders for inhalation.
• D. Elixirs are tinctures.

Answer: (A)

Elixirs are a sweetened hydroalcoholic liquid dosage form. They combine water, alcohol, and sugar (often with flavorings) to create a pleasant-tasting solvent. The alcohol content helps dissolve drugs that are only sparingly soluble in water, making it convenient to administer certain medications in liquid form. The sugar and flavoring mask bitterness and improve palatability, supporting patient adherence. This distinguishes elixirs from tinctures (alcoholic extracts that aren’t sweetened) and from syrups (water-based solutions without alcohol), as well as from solid forms like tablets or dry powders for inhalation.

Elixirs are a sweetened hydroalcoholic liquid dosage form. They combine water, alcohol, and sugar (often with flavorings) to create a pleasant-tasting solvent. The alcohol content helps dissolve drugs that are only sparingly soluble in water, making it convenient to administer certain medications in liquid form. The sugar and flavoring mask bitterness and improve palatability, supporting patient adherence. This distinguishes elixirs from tinctures (alcoholic extracts that aren’t sweetened) and from syrups (water-based solutions without alcohol), as well as from solid forms like tablets or dry powders for inhalation.