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30/10/2025, 00:02 Pharmaceutical Solutions & Sterile Dosage Forms

Linctuses

They are Viscous liquids, usually contain a high proportion of sucrose, other sugars, or a suitable
polyhydric alcohol (sugar alcohol such as sorbitol; hexahydric alcohol).

Use: They are primarily employed for the treatment of cough, due to their soothing actions on
the inflamed mucous membranes.

Linctus is thicker, syrupy liquid that is specifically designed to be taken in small quantities
and swallowed slowly to coat the throat.

Texture: Very thick and viscous, more so than syrups, making it stay longer on the throat's
surface.
They contain drugs which have demulcent, sedative, expectorant action.
Linctuses may also be formulated as sugar-free alternatives.
Vehicle is always a syrup and sometimes contains glycerin (why?).
Should be taken as such without dilution and sipped slowly to prolong action of drug.

Elixirs

Definition: A sweetened, flavored hydro-alcoholic solution formulated for oral use.

Alcohol used as a cosolvent to ensure solubility of all ingredients.

Alcohol Content: The concentration of alcohol varies (10- 40 % v/v) depending on the
formulation.

NOTE 1: % of alcohol is usually less than present in tincture and spirits.

NOTE 2: unlike syrups, elixirs contain alcohol, clearer and thinner, used for medicinal
purposes where alcohol is needed for dissolving or preserving the active ingredients (> 12%
v/v alcohol).

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