Syrups
Syrups are a type of liquid dosage form that usually contain a concentrated solution of a sugar, such as sucrose. These syrups serve as a proprietary vehicle to transport the drug and also help mask its bitterness1. Here are some key points about syrups:
Composition: Syrups consist of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) dissolved in a sweetened liquid base. The sugar content enhances taste and palatability.
Usage: Syrups are commonly used for children and older individuals who may have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules. They are also suitable for patients with nausea or vomiting.
Examples: Alfalfa syrup is an example of a homeopathic pharmaceutical syrup.
Advantages:
Ease of Administration: Syrups are easy to swallow, making them suitable for various patient populations.
Taste Masking: The sugar content helps mask the bitter taste of certain drugs.
Flexibility: Syrups allow for flexible dosing adjustments.
Disadvantages:
Stability: Liquid dosage forms, including syrups, may have poorer stability compared to solid dosage forms.
Bulkiness: Transporting large quantities of syrup can be cumbersome.
