An elixir (Arabic: الإكسير, Al-Ikseer, effective recipe, Greek: ξήριον, medical powder, xerion "powder for drying wounds", from ξηρός, xeros dry[1][2]) is a clear, sweet-flavored liquid used for medicinal purposes, to be taken orally and intended to cure one's ills. When used as a pharmaceutical preparation, an elixir contains at least one active ingredient designed to be taken orally.
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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.
An elixir is a hydro-alcoholic solution of at least one active ingredient. The alcohol is mainly used to:
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:
Elixirs should be stored in a tightly closed and light resistant container away from direct heat and sunlight.
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