Elixirs are better able to maintain both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble components than aqueous syrups.

Elixirs are better able to maintain both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble components than aqueous syrups.

• A. Sometimes
• B. Not necessarily
• C. False
• D. True

Answer: (D)

The key idea is solvent system versatility. Elixirs are hydroalcoholic solutions, combining water and alcohol, so they can dissolve both water-soluble substances (which prefer water) and alcohol-soluble substances (which need some alcohol). Aqueous syrups are mainly water with sugar; they dissolve water-soluble drugs well, but substances that dissolve better in alcohol often remain insoluble or poorly soluble. The sugar-rich, viscous syrup can also hinder dissolution of alcohol-loving components. Therefore, elixirs can maintain a wider range of drug solubilities in a single vehicle, making the statement true.

The key idea is solvent system versatility. Elixirs are hydroalcoholic solutions, combining water and alcohol, so they can dissolve both water-soluble substances (which prefer water) and alcohol-soluble substances (which need some alcohol). Aqueous syrups are mainly water with sugar; they dissolve water-soluble drugs well, but substances that dissolve better in alcohol often remain insoluble or poorly soluble. The sugar-rich, viscous syrup can also hinder dissolution of alcohol-loving components. Therefore, elixirs can maintain a wider range of drug solubilities in a single vehicle, making the statement true.