Editing Elixir

{{Short description|Sweet-flavored liquid used for medicinal purposes}}
{{Other uses}}
{{More citations needed|date=December 2023}}
[[File:F.X. de Beukelaer Elixir d'Anvers.png|thumb|Advertisement for Elixir d'Anvers]]
[[File:Élixir Raspail devenu élixir Angelo.jpg|thumb|Label from a bottle of Elixir Raspail, claiming its effectiveness against [[epidemic diseases]]]]

An  '''elixir''' is a sweet liquid used for medical purposes, to be taken orally and intended to cure one's illness.<ref name=EB1911>{{Cite EB1911 |wstitle=Elixir |volume=9 |pages=281–282}}</ref> When used as a [[dosage form|pharmaceutical preparation]], an elixir contains at least one [[active ingredient]] designed to be taken orally.

==Etymology==
The word was introduced in late [[Middle English]], through [[Medieval Latin|Latin]] from the [[Arabic Language|Arabic]] {{lang|ar|الإكسير}} ({{Transliteration|ar|al-ʾiksīr}}), which in turn is the [[Arabization]] of the [[Ancient Greek]] {{lang|grc|ξήριον}} ({{Transliteration|grc|xērion}}) {{gloss|powder for drying wounds}} (from {{lang|grc|ξηρός}} ({{Transliteration|grc|xēros}}) {{gloss|dry}}).<ref name=EB1911/> For centuries, ''elixir'' primarily meant an ingredient used in [[alchemy]], either referring to a liquid which purportedly converts lead to gold, or a substance or liquid which is believed to cure all ills and [[Elixir of immortality|give eternal life]].

==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]].

==Composition==
[[File:Elixir Mondet gentiane affi.JPG|thumb|Poster for Elixir Mondet, 1899]]
An elixir is a [[water|hydro]]-[[ethanol|alcohol]]ic 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 [[excipient]]s:
* [[Sugar]] and/or [[sugar substitute]]s like the [[Sugar alcohol|sugar polyols]] [[glycerol]] and [[sorbitol]].
* [[Preservative]]s like [[paraben]]s and [[benzoic acid|benzoates]] and [[antioxidant]]s like [[butylated hydroxytoluene]] (BHT) and [[sodium metabisulfite]].
* [[Buffering agent]]s
* [[Chelating agent]]s like [[sodium]] [[ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid]] ([[EDTA]])
* [[Flavoring agent]]s and [[flavor enhancer]]s
* [[Color|Coloring agents]]

==Storage==
Elixirs should only be stored in a tightly closed, light resistant container away from direct heat and sunlight.

==See also==
{{Wiktionary|elixir}}
* [[Brompton cocktail]]
* [[Concoction]]
* [[Elixir of life]]
* [[Internal alchemy]]
* [[Energy drink]]
* [[Soft drink]]
* [[Panacea (medicine)]], mythological remedy that would cure all diseases
* [[Suspension (chemistry)]]
* [[Syrup]]
* [[Spagyric]]
* [[Herbal tea]]
* [[Tincture]], in which alcohol is the major solvent and the ingredient is often highly concentrated.
* [[Theriac]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Dosage forms|state=expanded}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Drug delivery devices]]
[[Category:Dosage forms]]