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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.
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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