Products
Among the most commonly used pharmaceutical syrups are the cough syrups that relieve cough irritation or expectorant. In addition, however, many other drugs are available as syrups, including analgesics, laxatives, antibiotics and other anti-infectives, vitamins, minerals and trace elements, tonics (tonics), antiepileptics, and beta2-sympathomimetics. Some syrups, such as those containing herbal extracts, can also be made by professionals or patients.
Structure and properties
Syrups are aqueous preparations for ingestion, characterized by their sweet taste and viscous consistency. They may contain sucrose (table sugar) in a concentration of at least 45% (m/m) in addition to the active ingredients or plant extracts. The sweet taste can also be obtained with other polyols such as sorbitol or with sweeteners. Syrups may contain other excipients, such as flavorings like vanillin, colorants like sugar couleur, and preservatives like the parabens and alcohol. Which substances are permitted varies from country to country. In the pharmacopoeias there are different manufacturing instructions. The purified water is usually heated, the ingredients are mixed, it is filtered or coloured and supplemented with water.
Effects
Syrups are liquid and have a sweet taste. Therefore, they are often given to children who cannot yet swallow tablets or capsules. The sugar has irritation-relieving properties. Syrups are also suitable for patients who have difficulty swallowing, such as the elderly or people with disabilities or psychiatric disorders. The addition of sugar or a sweetener can also mask an unpleasant taste of active ingredients or excipients. Incidentally, syrups such as raspberry or strawberry syrup, which are intended as ordinary drinks, are also used to improve the taste of other dosage forms.
Fields of application
Many syrups are intended for symptomatic treatment of a cough. In addition, however, numerous other indications exist, for example, constipation, pain, epilepsy or infectious diseases (see above).
Dosage
A graduated spoon, syringe, dosing pipette, or cup, which is included in the package or given to patients, is usually used to measure the prescribed volume. Some syrups require shaking before use. Unlike syrups available in grocery stores, pharmaceutical syrups are not usually diluted with water. Whether this is possible must be assessed on an individual basis.
Contraindications
Full precautions depend on the product and can be found in the drug label.
Adverse effects and disadvantages
The sugar contained may promote the development of dental caries. Sweeteners are controversial and may have a laxative effect. Liquid preparations often have a limited shelf life once opened. Once opened, they must be used within a certain period of time (e.g., 6 months). Some syrups contain alcohol. Because of their large volume, syrups are not good for traveling.
