Tag: Pharmaceutics

Liquid dosage forms are a cornerstone of medicine, especially for pediatrics. When considering these formulations, a key question arises for pharmacists and patients alike: **which is more stable, syrup or elixir?** The answer depends heavily on the drug itself and the formulation's ingredients [1.2.2].

Pharmaceutical elixirs typically contain between 3% and 23% ethanol, a fact that underlies many of their limitations [1.2.1]. While useful for dissolving certain drugs, understanding 'What are the disadvantages of elixirs?' is crucial for safe and effective medication management, especially in sensitive populations.

First approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1988, minoxidil became the first topical treatment for androgenetic alopecia. However, many users wonder: **Why does minoxidil smell like alcohol?** The distinct scent is actually due to the inactive ingredients, specifically ethanol, which act as a solvent to ensure the active drug is effectively delivered to the hair follicles.