A clear, sweetened, hydroalcoholic liquid intended for oral use; elixirs contain flavoring substances and are used either as vehicles or for the therapeutic effect of the active medicinal agents. [Mediev. L., fr. Ar. al- iksir, the philosopher's stone]
- phenobarbital e. a palatable, colored hydroalcoholic (12–15% alcohol) mixture containing 20 mg of phenobarbital per 5 ml (teaspoonful); useful in administering the drug to children or persons who have difficulty swallowing tablets; used as an anticonvulsant and sedative.
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elix·ir i-'lik-sər n a sweetened liquid usu. containing alcohol that is used in medication either for its medicinal ingredients or as a flavoring
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n.
a preparation containing alcohol (ethanol) or glycerine, which is used as the vehicle for bitter or nauseous drugs.
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elix·ir (e-likґsər) [L., from Arabic] a clear, sweetened, alcohol-containing, usually hydroalcoholic liquid containing flavoring substances and sometimes active medicinal agents.Medical dictionary. 2011.