Elixir

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 Middle English, through Latin from the Arabic الإكسير (al-ʾiksīr), which in turn is the Arabization of the Ancient Greek ξήριον (xērion) 'powder for drying wounds' (from ξηρός (xēros) 'dry').^[1] For centuries, elixir primarily meant an ingredient used in alchemy, either referring to a liquid which purportedly converts lead to gold, or a substance or liquid which is believed to cure all ills and 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:

antihistaminic elixirs used against allergy, such as chlorpheniramine maleate (USP) or diphenhydramine HCl
sedative and hypnotic elixirs, the former to induce drowsiness, the latter to induce sleep
pediatric elixirs such as chloral hydrate
expectorant elixirs used to facilitate productive cough (i.e. cough with sputum), such as 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
Chelating agents like sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)
Flavoring agents and 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]