Non-medicated elixirs[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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 lightproof bottles, these drinks have the reputation of being enjoyed by old men and other healthconscious 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[edit]
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[edit]
Elixirs should be stored in a tightly closed and light resistant container away from direct heat and
sunlight.

See also[edit]
Look up elixir in
Wiktionary, the free
dictionary.

Concoction

Elixir of life

Internal alchemy

Energy drink

Soft drink

Panacea (medicine), mythological remedy that would cure all diseases

Suspension (chemistry)

Syrup

Herbal tea

Tincture, in which alcohol is the major solvent and the ingredient is often highly concentrated.