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Saturday, May 22, 2021

Difference between elixir and linctus

The major difference between elixir and linctus is that the elixir is a pleasantly flavored, clear liquid formulation usually contains water and alcohol that is used for therapeutic purpose, whereas linctus is thick, sweeter and syrup-based formulation generally used for the treatment of cough.

The dosage form of a pharmaceutical product refers to its way of delivery into a specific site of the body. Generally, based on the physical properties the dosage forms are classified as solid, liquid, semi-solid, and gaseous dosage forms. Based on the route of drug administration the dosage forms are classified as oral, parenteral (Injection), sublingual, buccal, and topical route. Examples of dosage forms include tablets, capsules, powders, granules, ointments, gels, creams, pastes, syrups, liquids, drops, suspensions, lozenges, aerosols, sprays, suppositories, inhalers, and mouthwash, etc.

Table of Contents

What is elixir?
What is linctus?
Difference between elixir and linctus
Similarities between elixir and linctus

Oral liquids are homogeneous liquid preparations, usually a solution, a suspension, or emulsion of one or more active ingredients in a suitable liquid base. They are formulated to release the active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) after oral administration to achieve quick and complete systemic drug absorption compared to the solid oral dosage forms. Liquid formulations are better for those patients who have difficulty swallowing solid medicines, have higher flexibility in dosing, have faster absorption, and can mask the bitter or unpleasant taste and odor.

Elixir:

Elixir is a clear, sweetened oral liquid that contains one or more drugs that dissolve in a suitable base that has sucrose and also contains a high proportion of ethanol. When the active ingredients do not dissolve in water alone, alcohol and water are commonly used as solvents. They normally contain flavoring and coloring agents in addition to the drug to increase patient acceptance. Elixirs are divided into two categories: medicated elixirs and non-medicated elixirs. They usually contain alcohol, which is used in therapeutic either for its medicinal ingredients or as a flavoring.

Linctus:

Linctus is a viscous, sticky, monophasic liquid preparation that contains high concentrations of syrup that are used to be swallowed orally for cough relief. It is a sticky preparation containing drugs that have local effects on the mucous membrane of the throat and they also have demulcent, sedative, or expectorant action. Linctus must be taken in small doses in order to have the maximum and prolonged effect of the drug and should be swallowed slowly without diluting it with water.

Difference between elixir and linctus:

Elixir is a clear, sweetened oral liquid formulation, whereas linctus is a viscous, sticky, monophasic liquid preparation.
An elixir must have high alcohol content in order to be formulated, while linctus can be made with or without ethanol.
Elixir is usually alcohol and water-based formulation, while linctus syrup-based formulation.
Elixir is watery preparation, while linctus is viscous and sticky preparation.
Elixir is usually active in the stomach or gastrointestinal tract (GI tract), while linctus is usually active in the throat.
The elixir has a thin consistency, while the linctus has a thick consistency.
Elixir masks the unpleasant taste and odor of drugs are less effective, while linctus masks the unpleasant taste and odor of medicinal agents better than elixir.
The elixir can be taken with dilution, while the linctus needs to be taken without dilution.
The elixir does not need to be swallowed slowly, while the linctus must be swallowed slowly.
Elixir may not provide prolonged effects of medication, whereas linctus may provide prolonged effects of medication due to viscous and thickening.
Elixir is a clear solution, while linctus is an opaque (may not be clear) liquid.
Elixir is less sweet than linctus, while linctus is sweeter than elixir.
Elixirs have a lower viscosity than linctus, while linctus has a higher viscosity than elixir.

Elixir vs Linctus

The similarity between linctus and elixir:

The major similarity between linctus and elixir is that they are both liquid oral preparations that contain one or more drugs that dissolve in a suitable base for medicated and non-medicated purposes.

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Friday, May 21, 2021

Difference between syrup and elixir

The major difference between syrup and elixir is that the syrup is a thick and sweet aqueous solution of sugar that does not contain alcohol, whereas an elixir is a sweetened, clear, pleasantly flavored liquid formulation that contains both water and alcohol.

Based on the physical properties dosage forms include solid, liquid, semi-solid, and gaseous dosage forms, and based on the route of drug administration dosage forms include oral, topical, parenteral (Injection), buccal, inhalation, and the sublingual route they are intended to deliver the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) to a particular site in the body. Some of the examples of dosage forms are capsules, tablets, granules, lozenges, syrups, liquids, drops, gels, ointments, pastes, creams, suppositories, aerosols, sprays, mouthwash, and inhalers, etc.

Table of Contents

What is syrup?
What is elixir?
Difference between syrup and elixir
Similarities between elixir and syrup

Oral liquid formulations are usually syrup, elixir, linctus, mixture, oral emulsions, oral solutions, oral drop, and oral suspensions containing one or more drugs in an appropriate vehicle. The overall range of liquid oral doses includes a wide range of dosage forms, broadly classified as monophasic and biphasic. Monophasic forms are homogeneous and fully dissolved in the liquid, while biphasic forms are not dissolved in the vehicle. Liquid oral dosage forms offer more advantages and flexibility than solid oral dosage forms.

Syrup:

The syrup is a thick concentrated aqueous preparation of sugar or sugar substitutes containing or not containing flavoring agents and medicinal substances. It is an oral suspension in liquid form that comes in three types such as simple syrup, medicinal syrup, and flavored syrup, and these are best suited for pediatric use. The pharmaceutical syrup is used as a flavored vehicle for medicine and is formulated by mixing active ingredients, water, aromas, sweeteners, thickener, flavors, and other ingredients, etc.

Elixir:

An elixir is a clear, sweet-tasting, hydro-alcoholic solution that is used for medical purposes, which is taken orally and is intended to cure different types of diseases. Pharmaceutical elixir contains at least one or more active ingredients with excipients, their alcohol content ranges from 10% to 40%. The alcohol concentration is determined by the amount necessary to maintain the drug or volatile oil in the solution. Reducing the amount of alcohol by adding the aqueous solution to the elixirs can lead to turbidity or separation.

Difference between syrup and elixir:

The syrup is a concentrated, viscous, aqueous solution, whereas the elixir is pleasantly flavored, sweetened hydro-alcoholic liquids.
The primary solvents in syrup are sugar and water, whereas the primary solvents in elixir are alcohol and water.
The syrup is an opaque (may not be clear) solution, whereas elixir is a clear solution.
The syrup has a thick consistency, while the elixir has a thin consistency.
Alcohol is not an essential ingredient in syrup, whereas alcohol is the essential ingredient in elixir.
The syrup is sweeter than the elixir, whereas the elixir is less sweet than syrup.
Syrups have a higher viscosity, whereas elixirs have a lower viscosity.
The syrup has a high concentration of sugar, while the elixir has a low concentration of sugar.
The syrup cannot be used for patients with diabetes, whereas elixir can be used for patients with diabetes.
The syrup masks the unpleasant taste and smell of medicinal agents better than elixir, whereas elixir masks the flavor of medicinal agents less effectively.
The syrup is less stable than the elixir, whereas the elixir is more stable than syrup.
The syrup can difficult to formulate than elixirs, whereas elixir can easy to formulate than syrups.

Syrup vs Elixir

The similarity between elixir and syrup:

The major similarity between elixir and syrup is that both are sweet liquid preparations meant to be taken orally for medicinal or non-medicinal purposes.

Commonly asked questions on elixir and syrup are as follows.

Why are syrups preferred particularly for children instead of alcoholic vehicles like elixirs?

Syrups, rather than elixirs, are favored by children because they have a sweet taste and contain no or very little alcohol.

Why are elixirs more stable than syrups?

Being elixir alcohol and water-based formulation they are more stable than syrups which are sugar-based formulations.

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Monday, May 17, 2021

Difference between emulsion and gel

The major difference between emulsion and gel is that an emulsion is a liquid preparation, whereas a gel is a semisolid preparation. The emulsion is a stable suspension of small droplets of one substance in another in which it is immiscible, whereas gel is a semi-solid or almost solid colloid of a solid and a liquid, such as cheese or jelly.

Dosage forms are the means by which drug molecules are delivered to sites of action within the body. Based on the physical properties they can be solid, semi-solid, liquid, and gaseous dosage forms. Based on the route they can be the oral, parenteral, topical, buccal, and sublingual route of drug administrations.

Table of Contents

What is emulsion?
What is gel?
Difference between emulsion and gel
Similarities between emulsion and gel

Topical dosage forms are formulated in a vehicle, or base adapted to a specific body part or skin condition. It can be intended to be moisturizing or to maximize the penetration of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), often a drug, into or through the skin. Examples of topical dosage forms are cream, ointment, lotion, liniments, paste, and gel, etc.

Emulsion:

A pharmaceutical emulsion is a thermodynamically unstable system made up of two immiscible liquid phases, one of which is dispersed as globules inside the other and stabilized by a third substance called an emulsifying agent. It is a colloidal solution that has a liquid dispersed phase and a liquid dispersion medium. Oil-in-water emulsions and water-in-oil emulsions are the two types of emulsions.

Gel:

The gel is colloids in which the dispersed phase is a liquid and the dispersion medium is a solid. The majority of widely used gels are hydrophilic colloidal solutions in which a dilute solution is set as elastic semi-solid masses under appropriate conditions. Gels, which are often water-based, are similar to liquids to solids and are usually transparent and look like jelly. It is widely used in both cosmetics and pharmaceuticals as they provide significant advantages.

Difference between emulsion and gel:

Emulsions are colloidal solutions that have a liquid as both the dispersed phase and the dispersion medium, whereas gels are that kind of colloid that has a liquid dispersed phase and a solid dispersion medium.
Emulsions are usually oil-based formulations, while gels are usually water-based formulations.
An emulsion is usually opaque, while a gel is transparent and can come in several colors.
Emulsions take longer to absorb, while gels are quick to absorb and normally light.
The emulsion is separate on standing, whereas gel is not separate on standing.
Emulsions are easier to formulate than gels, whereas gels are slightly more complex to formulate.
Topical emulsions may be ideal in all weather, while gel may be ideal for warm weather.

The similarity between gel and emulsion:

The major similarity between gel and emulsion is that these are both topical preparations that are used for therapeutic and cosmetic applications. They are two different substances with very similar properties that are suitable for oily skin.

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Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Difference between ointment and lotion

The major difference between ointment and lotion is the composition of the water and oil mixture used in their formulation. Ointments have a higher percentage of oil in their formulation, while lotions have a higher percentage of water.

Dosage forms are intended to provide active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) to the site of action. They are solid, liquid, semisolid, or gaseous dosage forms based on the physical form, and based on the route they are oral, parenteral, topical, and inhalation route of drug administration.

Table of Contents

What is ointment?
What is lotion?
Difference between ointment and lotion
Similarities between ointment and lotion

The topical drug delivery system is the local drug delivery system for the skin as well as the local delivery of active ingredients through the skin for cosmetic purposes. The topical formulations are available in different forms, such as cream, ointment, suppositories, paste emulsion, lotion, gel, and liniment, etc.

Ointments:

Ointments are homogeneous semisolid preparations intended for application to the skin or mucous membranes, in which active ingredients can be suspended, emulsified, or dissolved in the ointment base. The ointments are thick, so they keep the skin hydrated, as they are not easily absorbed. It is a strong absorbent and has an occlusive barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss and maximizing the advantages.

Lotions:

Lotions are aqueous or alcoholic emulsions/suspensions of insoluble ingredients that are applied without rubbing. It is a medicated or non-medicated topical preparation with a low to medium viscosity that is applied to unbroken skin. The majority of lotions are o/w emulsions, but there are also w/o lotions. Lotions are ideal for normal to slightly dry skin because they contain less oil and absorb more rapidly than ointments and creams.

Difference between ointment and lotion:

The ointment contains mostly oil and is very greasy, while the lotion contains mostly water and is less greasy than ointments.
Ointments are suitable for dry or very dry skin, whereas lotions are suitable for normal to slightly dry skin.
Ointments are a thick, smooth, and soften preparation, whereas lotions are a thin, smooth liquid solution.
In ointments, 70 percent or more oil is used, while in lotions, 70 percent or more water is used.
Ointments are sticky and are difficult to spread on the skin, particularly on hairy areas, while lotions are liquid and easy to spread on the skin and other hairy areas of the body.
The ointment has a slower onset of action, while the lotion has a rapid onset of action.
The ointment does not need to be applied repeatedly, while the lotion needs to be applied repeatedly.
Many people prefer to use the ointment only at night, while lotions are preferred during the day and the summer.
The ointment may stain clothing due to its greasiness, while the lotion is less stained on clothes due to less greasy.
Most ointments don't have any preservatives, whereas most lotions have preservatives in them.

Ointment vs Lotion

The similarity between lotion and ointment:

The major similarity between lotion and ointment is that both lotions and ointments are topical medicine or treatment or cosmetic that can be applied to the skin. Since they are both a combination of oil and water, they are used for facial and body moisturizers.

Commonly asked questions on ointment and lotion are as follows.

Why are creams preferred to ointments?

Creams are preferred over ointments because they are less sticky and heavy on the skin.

Which is better ointment or lotion?

Ointment and lotion both are used for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes however ointment is better for dry to very dry skin, while the lotion is better for normal to slightly dry skin.

Monday, May 10, 2021

Difference between ointment and gel

The ointment and gel both are semi-solid preparations in which the active ingredients are dispersed or dissolved. The major difference between ointments and gels is that the gels are generally water-based formulations, whereas ointments are oil-based formulations.

Dosage forms are the means by which drugs are delivered to sites of action within the body. The physical forms of dosage forms are simply classified as solid, liquid, gaseous, and semi-solid dosage forms, and the routes of drug administration are classified as oral, topical inhalation, otic, parenteral, sublingual, and buccal, routes of drug administration. Some of the examples of dosage forms are powder, granules, tablets, capsules, caplets, syrup, suspension, injections, solution, drops, gargles, liniments, lotions, sprays, throat paints, and aerosols, etc.

Table of Contents

What is ointment?
What is gel?
Difference between ointment and gel
Similarities between ointment and gel

Topical dosage forms are widely used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes and can be applied to the skin or mucous membranes because the skin provides an ideal site for drug delivery for both local and systemic effects. Topical dosage forms can transport drug substances more selectively to a specific site, avoiding fluctuations in drug levels and suitability for self-medication. However, it also acts as a mechanical barrier for the penetration of many active pharmaceutical ingredients (API).

Ointments:

Ointments are homogeneous semisolid preparations that contain 80% oil, have an oily or greasy consistency and are intended for external application to the skin or mucous membranes. Ointments contain medicated ingredients with excipients that are absorbed through the skin which serve a protective, therapeutic, or prophylactic purpose when applied. There are four different types of bases are used in the formulation of ointments such as hydrocarbon bases, absorption bases, water-removable bases, and water-soluble bases.

Gels:

Gels are semi-solid dosage formulations that are transparent and translucent and are applied to the skin or mucosal surfaces for local action or emollient properties. Topical gel formulations are a good choice for drug delivery since they are less greasy and easy to remove from the skin. Based on the nature of the solvent, its affinity, and physical state, the gels are classified into two basic groups i.e. organogels and hydrogels.

Difference between ointment and gel:

Ointments are semi-solid formulations in which the drug is dispersed or dissolved, while gels are translucent and transparent semi-solid preparations in a suitable ointment base.
The formulation of ointments includes absorption, emulsifying hydrocarbons, and water-soluble bases while the formulation of gels includes natural gums and gelling agents.
The ointment is non-porous and highly greasy, while gels are non-porous and non-greasy preparations.
Ointments are very stiff, whereas gels are less stiff compared to ointments.
The ointments are used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes as well as to protect wounds, whereas gels are used for medicinal, lubricating purposes.
Ointments are also more suitable for hairy regions like the scalp, etc. whereas gels are also more suitable to be applied to mucous membranes of the skin.
The strong emollient effect in the ointment makes it useful in dry skin conditions, while the gels can dry things out very quickly, so it would be helpful to apply them on a moist area.
The gel formulation provides superior stability and application property compared to creams and ointments.
The ointment provides a protective film on the skin, while the gels become liquid when they come into contact with the skin and leave a thin film of active medication.
Gels are easy to formulate as compared to ointment, whereas ointments are complex to formulate.
The pharmaceutical ointment lasts longer on the site of application than gels and releases the drug for a longer period.
Ointments should be kept cool and dry, away from direct sunlight, in wide-mouthed containers or tubes, whereas gels are stored in well-closed containers to prevent water evaporation.

Ointment vs Gel

The similarity between gel and ointment:

The major similarity between gel and ointment is that both are topical semi-solid dosage forms intended for topical applications and are widely used for therapeutic and cosmetic activities. They both are more easily spread and maybe leave stains on clothing.

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Difference between moisturizer and cream

The major difference between a moisturizer and a cream is that the moisturizer is designed to hydrate moisture back into the skin, while the cream is designed for cosmetic or medicinal use, contains a high amount of oil, and has to be rubbed into the skin for absorption.

Pharmaceutical dosage forms are intended to deliver the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) to the particular part of the body, they can in the form of solid, liquid, semi-solid, and gas by the oral, topical, parenteral, and inhalation route of drug administration. Semisolid dosage forms are applied to the skin or mucous membranes for therapeutic, preventive purposes as well as cosmetic purposes. Creams, ointments, gels, lotions, pastes, emulsions, foams, suppositories, are meant to be applied on the skin for localized delivery of drugs to the affected areas.

Moisturizer and cream are semisolid dosage forms both are often a mixture of water, oil, waxes, and excipients. Creams and moisturizers are used to keep the skin hydrated. Both are easy to spread, quickly absorbed, and feels light on the skin. Many cosmetic manufacturers offer a wide range of creams and moisturizing products for use in cosmetics all over the world.

Difference between moisturizer and cream:

Moisturizers have lower oil content than creams, while creams have higher oil content than moisturizers.
Moisturizers are very light compared to creams and are absorbed into the skin, while creams block the moisture content of the skin.
Moisturizers are rapidly absorbed by the skin, while creams are thicker and take longer to be absorbed.
Moisturizers are thicker than creams, while creams are less thick than moisturizers.
Moisturizer is suitable for oily or normal skin and is required to prevent skin irritation, while creams are generally suitable for those with dry to extremely dry skin.
The moisturizer is used to keep skin moist and hydrated, while the cream is applied before moisturizing your skin for absorption.
Moisturizers are lighter and may need the more frequent application, whereas cream has a thick texture and does not need more frequent application.
Moisturizers are more suitable in cold weather and hot weather, while creams are more suitable in cold weather.

The similarity between moisturizer and cream:

Moisturizer and cream both are semisolid preparation intended to use on the skin for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes. Moisturizer is used to restore moisture to the skin, while the cream blocks and prevents moisture loss.

Commonly asked questions on moisturizer and cream are as follows.

Which is better face cream or moisturizer?

Face cream and moisturizer both are intended to moisturize the skin however a face moisturizer is more effective for dry skin than a face cream.

What is the difference between night creams and moisturizers?

The major difference between night creams and moisturizers is that the night creams typically heavier in texture and are best for combination and dry skin types, whereas moisturizers tend to be more lightweight than night creams and are ideal to wear underneath makeup.

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Thursday, May 6, 2021

Difference between paste and ointment

The major difference between paste and ointment is that the paste is a soft mixture that contains a large amount of finely powdered solids, while ointment is homogenous semisolid dosage forms contain medicaments that are generally suspended or emulsified, or dissolved in the base.

The dosage form of a pharmaceutical product refers to its method of delivery of medication to the specific site of the body. Based on the physical form they are classified as solid, liquid, semisolid, and gaseous dosage forms, and based on the method/route of drug administration they are classified as oral, parenteral, topical, inhalation, and rectal route of drug administration.

Table of Contents

What is paste?
What is ointment?
Difference between paste and ointment
Similarities between paste and ointment

Semisolids are neither solid nor liquid they are a combination of both and are used for both local and systemic effects. Semi-solid dosage forms are substances used for external application to the skin or mucous membrane, containing one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) dissolved or dispersed in a suitable base. Paste, ointments, gels, lotions, suspensions, creams, liniments, emulsions, suppositories, and poultices, etc. are types of semi-solids, formulated in such a way that they show a uniform application (topical) on the skin it might have therapeutic or cosmetic.

Pastes:

Pastes are semi-solid, homogeneous formulations with high concentrations of insoluble powdered substances dispersed in a suitable base for medicinal or cosmetic use. Due to a large number of powdered ingredients in the formulation, pastes are typically more absorptive, less greasy, and stiffer in consistency compared to ointments. They are mostly water-based products that have good adhesion to the skin, intended for application on the mucous membrane, oral cavity, and the skin.

Ointments:

Ointments are homogeneous semisolid dosage forms that are intended for local or for systemic absorption. It is an oil-based product that is usually made up of 80% oil and 20% water and volatiles. An ointment is also a good absorbent and has an occlusive barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss and offers several advantages.

Difference between paste and ointment:

Pastes contain a large amount of finely powdered solids, whereas ointments contain less amount of finely powdered solids than paste.
The paste is less greasy not transparent than ointment, whereas, ointment is greasy than paste.
Pastes are mostly water-based products, whereas ointments are mostly oil-based formulations.
The paste is a stiff and thick product, while the ointment is soft.
The paste may be applied with a spatula, whereas, the ointment is simply applied to the skin.
Pastes are more viscous than ointments, while ointments are usually less viscous than pastes.
The pastes are less penetrating than ointments, while ointments are more penetrating than pastes.
The paste forms a protective layer in the region where it is applied, whereas the ointment is used as an emollient or protective for the skin.
The pharmaceutical ointment lasts longer at the application site than the paste, which releases the drug for a longer period.
Pastes have a lower macerating effect, while ointments have a higher macerating effect.
As compared to the pastes, the ointments are usually greasy and difficult to clean.
The paste does not spread more easily on the skin than the ointment, while the ointment is more easily spread on the skin.

The similarity between ointment and paste:

The major similarity between ointment and paste is that ointment and paste are semisolid dosage forms intended for topical use as a cosmetic as well as medicinal.

Paste vs Ointment

Commonly asked questions on ointment and paste are as follows.

Why is paste stiffer than ointment?

Pastes are usually stiffer because they contain a high proportion of powdered ingredients.

Can the pharmaceutical paste be applied to hair?

Due to difficulties in removing the pharmaceutical paste from the hair, it is not usually applied to the hair.

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