From the Research
Elixirs are a formulation of medications that include acetaminophen, which is commonly used for pain and fever management, as noted in the study by 1. The medications that come in the form of elixir include:
- Dextromethorphan for cough
- Diphenhydramine for allergies and sleep
- Acetaminophen for pain and fever
- Phenobarbital for seizures
- Chlorpromazine for psychosis
- Phenytoin for seizures
- Simethicone and antacids for digestive issues
- Erythromycin as an antibiotic
- Children's multivitamins and vitamin D preparations as supplements Elixirs are particularly useful for patients who have difficulty swallowing pills, including children and elderly patients, due to their sweetened and flavored liquid form. However, the alcohol content in elixirs, typically ranging from 5-20%, may be problematic for certain patients, such as children, those with liver disease, or individuals with a history of alcohol abuse, as mentioned in the example answer. It's essential to consider the patient's individual needs and medical history when prescribing medications in elixir form, as noted in the study by 2, which emphasizes the importance of tailoring pharmacologic management of acute pain to each patient. The study by 3 also highlights the need for careful consideration of medication dosing and potential interactions, particularly when using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen. Additionally, the study by 4 discusses the potential for certain medications, including antibiotics and cardiovascular drugs, to affect platelet function and increase the risk of bleeding, which should be taken into account when prescribing elixir formulations.