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Thursday, June 10, 2021

Difference between syrup and tablet

The major difference between syrup and tablets is that the syrup is a liquid dosage form (preparation), while tablets are a solid dosage form (preparation).

Dosage forms are pharmaceutical formulations that a mixture of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) with excipients in a particular configuration to allow easy and accurate administration and delivery of active medicinal substances. It refers to the physical form of a drug or the dosage of a chemical compound for administration or consumption as a drug.

Table of contents

What is syrup?
What is tablet?
Difference between syrup and tablet
Similarities between tablet and syrup
Syrup or tablet which is better?

There are different types of dosage forms, based on the physical form and depending on the method/route of delivery of the drug. Based on the physical form they are solid, liquid, semi-solid, and gaseous dosage forms. Based on the route they are oral, topical, parenteral (injection), inhalation, and sublingual routes of drug administration are available, and some are instilled in body cavities.

Tablets, caplets, capsules, powders, granules, sachets, lozenges, cachet, gel, paste, cream, ointment, liniment, drops, syrup, suspension, emulsion, lotion, elixir, solution, inhaler, and aerosol, etc. are some of the examples of dosage forms.

Syrup:

The syrup is a liquid oral dosage form in which sugar and drugs are completely soluble. This solute completely dissolves in the solvent, and the resulting mixture is known as a solution. The syrup is a thick, viscous, monophasic liquid system containing a homogeneous mixed active ingredient with or without flavoring ingredients.

The syrup is a convenient way to take unpleasant-tasting medicine in liquid form. Antitussive (cough suppressant) and antihistamine agents are the most commonly used medications in medicated syrups.

Tablets:

Pharmaceutical tablets are solid dosage forms that usually contain a mixture of active ingredients and excipients, usually in powder form, which is compressed or molded from a powder into a solid dosage form.

They are usually flat, round in shape, and have coated or uncoated to mask the unpleasant taste and odor of the drug or to control the rate of absorption in the body. Based on their intended application and manufacturing method, they can vary in shape, size, weight, hardness, thickness, dissolution, and disintegration properties.

The pharmaceutical manufacturers formulate different types of tablets based on the route of administration and function such as compressed tablets, film-coated tablets, enteric-coated tablets, sugarcoated tablets, modified-release tablets, chewable tablets, effervescent tablets, dispersible, buccal and sublingual tablets.

Difference between syrup and tablet:

The syrup is a liquid preparation that is easy to swallow, whereas tablets are solid preparation that is stiff and hard may be more difficult to swallow, especially for the elderly and child patients.
The syrup required more ingredients to formulate than tablets, whereas tablets required fewer ingredients to formulate than syrup.
Limited drugs are suitable with syrup due to their liquid properties, whereas a wide range of drugs is compatible with tablets due to their solid properties.
The syrup is less likely to have an unpleasant taste or smell, whereas tablets are likely to have an unpleasant taste or odor.
The syrup has to be measured at each dose, which may change the dosage of the medicine, whereas tablets do not need to be measured and can be taken whole (intact).
Syrup allows for dosage flexibility (variation), whereas tablets do not.
Syrup may faster onset of action, whereas tablets may prolong, extended, sustained, and controlled release.
Syrups have a shorter shelf life, whereas tablets have a longer shelf life.
Syrups have limited forms, whereas tablets come in different forms.
The syrup is less stable than tablets, whereas tablets are more stable than syrup.
Syrups are generally more expensive than tablets, and tablets are usually less expensive than syrup.
The syrup is difficult to handle, transport and storage, whereas tablets are rather easy and safe to use.
The syrup is absorbed more completely and quickly, whereas tablets are absorbed more slowly than syrup.

Syrup vs Tablet

Similarities between tablet and syrup:

Syrups and tablets both are the pharmaceutical preparations that are the most commonly prescribed medication by doctors both are used for the same purposes and have the same power.

Is syrup better than tablets for cough?

Tablets and syrups have their advantages; however, the syrup is more preferable compared to tablets for cough since the medicine is already a liquid that works mechanically

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Tuesday, June 8, 2021

Difference between syrup and drops

The major difference between syrup and drops is the concentration and composition of the medication. Drops have a lower dosage of the drug, while syrup has a higher dosage of the drug.

Pharmaceutical dosage forms are the means by which active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) are delivered to sites of action within the body, they need for the protection, precise dose, and to improve the drug release rate in the form of sustained, controlled, extended, and prolonged-release.

Table of Contents

What is syrup?
What is drop?
Difference between syrup and drop
Similarities between drops and syrups

They are classified according to their physical form as solid, liquid, semi-solid, and gaseous dosage forms, and according to their route, they are classified as oral, parenteral (Injection), and topical route of drug administration. Tablet, capsule, granules, powder, syrup, drops, suspension, solutions, mouthwash, colloids, elixir, linctus, ointment, cream, paste, gel, lozenges, suppositories, aerosol, spray, and inhaler are some of the examples of dosage forms.

Oral liquids are commonly used by patients who have difficulty swallowing solid oral dosage forms (tablets and capsules) such as children and the elderly. They are homogeneous liquid preparations, usually a solution, an emulsion, or suspension of one or more drugs in an appropriate liquid base. Oral liquid dosage forms are commonly divided into two forms such as monophasic and biphasic.

Syrups:

Pharmaceutical syrups are saturated aqueous solutions of sugar (sucrose) in water or other aqueous liquids, with or without flavoring agents and medicinal substances. One advantage of syrup is that it masks the unpleasant taste and odor of the drugs, and it is easy to oral administration compared to tablets and capsules.

The pharmaceutical syrup or medicinal syrup is an oral suspension in liquid form used as a flavored vehicle for drugs. Medicinal syrups are commonly used as a pediatric treatment, although they are also available in different types for adults. It should be stored in an airtight container in a dry and cool place after use to preserve them.

Drops:

Pharmaceutical oral drops are liquid preparations for children under the age of one year that are designed to be administered in small doses with the use of a proper measurement device. They are homogenous mixtures in which each drop of solution contains an equal amount of drug.

It is a homogenous mixture with an equal number of parts at every drop of the solution, contains very minute chemical entities, and formulation is designed specifically for a child under the age of one year. Other than oral drops, there are many types of drops available, such as ear drops, eye drops, etc.

Difference between syrup and drops:

The syrup is commonly used as a pediatric medication and is also available in many forms for adults, whereas drops are mainly formulated for infants.
The concentration of drugs in syrup is more whereas the concentration of drugs in drops will be less.
Pharmaceutical syrups are thick and viscous, whereas oral drops may or may not be thick and viscous.
Syrup may not be acceptable for diabetics, whereas drops may be acceptable for diabetics.
The syrup is a mixture of active ingredients with sugar or any other sweetening agents in water or other aqueous liquids, whereas the drops are a combination of solvent and solute with suitable excipients.
The syrup is sticky, opaque, and cloudy in appearance, whereas drops are non-sticky, transparent and light can pass through it.
Syrup can leave stains on clothes, whereas drops cannot leave stains on clothes.
The syrup needs to be measured by spoon or suitable multidose containers, whereas drops required a dropper.
The oral syrup is always sweet as it has high sugar content, whereas oral drops are not always sweet.

Similarities between oral drops and oral syrup:

Oral drops and syrups are homogeneous mixtures formulated to release the active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) after oral administration to attain rapid and complete systemic absorption of medication than the solid oral dosage forms. Both are the most commonly prescribed drugs that are available in a liquid format that can make taking the medicine easier.

Commonly asked questions on syrup and drops are as follows.

What is the difference between paracetamol syrup and drops?

Pediatric drops of paracetamol have a higher concentration as compared to syrup.

What are the examples of syrup and drops?

Paracetamol, maxtra, colicaid, and zincovit are some of the examples of marketed preparations of syrups and drops.

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Monday, May 24, 2021

Difference between liniment and ointment

The major difference between liniment and ointment is that the liniment is a topical remedial preparation that is used to rub the skin with friction to relieve arthritis symptoms, whereas ointment is a viscous, oil-based preparation that is applied to the skin for medicinal or cosmetic purposes.

Dosage forms are means to deliver active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) to the specific site of the body. Dosage forms are classified as solid, semi-solid, liquid, and gaseous depending on their physical properties, and depending on the route of drug administration they are oral, sublingual, parenteral (Injection), and topical routes. Gel, paste, ointment, cream, suppositories, capsule, tablet, granules, powder, solutions, elixir, drops, syrup, suspension, linctus, colloids, mouthwash, lozenges, aerosol, spray, and inhaler are examples of dosage forms.

Table of Contents

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

Semi solids are topical dosage forms that can be applied to the skin or mucous membrane for therapeutic, cosmetic, or protective purposes. They contain one or more medicines as well as excipients that are dispersed in a suitable base. Because of its advantages, convenience, and affordability, topical administration is the preferred route for local delivery of therapeutic agents.

Liniment:

Liniments are a liquid or semi-liquid formulation that is applied to the skin to reduce pain or relieve stiffness. They are alcoholic or oleaginous solutions or emulsions of different therapeutic substances intended to be rubbed on the skin. Liniments containing insoluble substances that have to be thoroughly shaken before use and are only intended for external use.

Ointment:

The ointment is an oil-based topical formulation with a semisolid texture and a greasy appearance that can be used as moisturizers, medications, or cosmetics on the skin, eyes, and mucus membranes. Ointments usually contain 70% or more oil, making them thick, greasy, and sticky. The viscosity of the ointment ensures that the drugs in it are completely absorbed by the skin and prolonged action.

Difference between liniment and ointment:

Liniments are alcoholic or oleaginous-based solutions, while ointments are oil-based topical formulation.
Liniments are not greasy and oily, while ointments are very greasy and oily.
Liniments are usually applied to the skin by rubbing and friction, while ointments are applied to the skin without friction.
Liniments are not used on damaged or unbroken skin because they cause irritation, while ointments can apply directly to the damaged or inflamed region.
The liniment is applied to relieve pain, and swelling of joints, while ointment is used for medicines, moisturizers, or cosmetics.
The liniment is less viscous than the ointments or creams, while the ointments have a higher viscosity than the liniment.
Liniments are used for all forms of skin, except damaged or unbroken skin, while ointments are better suited to dry or very dry skin.
Liniments are liquid and spread easily on the skin, while ointments are sticky and difficult to spread on the skin.
Liniments are less likely to stain clothing, while ointments, lotions, and creams, can stain and leave an oily residue on clothing.

The similarity between liniment and ointment:

The major similarity between liniment and ointment is that they both are topical dosage forms intended to use on the skin for medicinal or cosmetic purposes.

Commonly asked questions on liniments and ointments are as follows.

Why is liniment not applied to broken skin?

Liniment should not be applied to broken or damaged skin as it will irritate it, especially if the solvent is alcohol.

What is the difference between emollient and liniment?

Emollient is substances that moisturize and soften the skin, whereas liniment is a topical medical preparation intended to rub into the skin with friction.

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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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