Editing Elixir (section)

==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 [[Ethanol|ethyl alcohol]]:
*aromatic elixirs ([[United States Pharmacopeia|USP]])
*isoalcoholic elixirs ([[Formulary (pharmacy)#National formulary|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]].