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Anelixir is a sweet liquid used for medical purposes, to be taken orally and intended to cure one's illness.[1] When used as apharmaceutical preparation, an elixir contains at least oneactive ingredient designed to be taken orally.
The word was introduced in lateMiddle English, throughLatin from theArabicالإكسير (al-ʾiksīr), which in turn is theArabization of theAncient Greekξήριον (xērion)'powder for drying wounds' (fromξηρός (xēros)'dry').[1] For centuries,elixir primarily meant an ingredient used inalchemy, either referring to a liquid which purportedly converts lead to gold, or a substance or liquid which is believed to cure all ills andgive eternal life. That which would indefinitely prolong life (more fullyelixir vitae, "elixir of life") was considered to be closely related to, or even identical with, the substance for transmuting metals.[2]
These are used assolvents or vehicles for the preparation of medicated elixirs. Active ingredients are dissolved in a 15–50% by volume solution ofethyl alcohol:
These include:
Daily non-alcoholic non-caffeinated 'vitamin drinks' have been popular in East Asia since the 1950s, withOronamin fromOtsuka 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.
Westernenergy drinks typically have caffeine and are targeted at a younger demographic, with colorful labels and printed claims of increased athletic/daily performance.
SeePatent medicine.
An elixir is ahydro-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 followingexcipients:
Elixirs should only be stored in a tightly closed, light resistant container away from direct heat and sunlight.
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