Syrup Definition in Pharmacy

Syrups are concentrated sucrose aqueous solutions containing pharmaceuticals, medicinal extracts and aromatic substances, intended for oral use. The sugar content of chemical drug syrups should not be less than 65% (g/ml). The sugar content of medicinal extract and aromatic substance syrups should not be less than 60% (g/ml). Simple syrups with concentrations of 85% (g/ml) or 64.7% (g/g) are used as taste correctants and suspension agents. The sugar content of the syrups should meet the requirements, the agents should be clarified, and the syrups containing the extracts of medicinal materials should be allowed to have a small amount of precipitation that is easily dispersed by light shaking; If necessary, add an appropriate amount of ethanol, glycerin or other polyols as a stabilizer to prevent precipitation. If other additives need to be added, the variety and dosage should comply with the relevant provisions of the relevant state departments, and shall not affect the stability of the product, and pay attention to avoid interference with the inspection. The syrup shall not have rancidity, odor, gas production or other deterioration during storage.

Formulation of syrup

Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs): These are the core medicinal substances that provide therapeutic effects. The choice of API and its concentration are critical to ensure efficacy and safety.

Solvent: The main solvent is water, but in some cases, a moderate amount of alcohol can also be added to help dissolve specific active ingredients or as a preservative.

Sweetener: Sucrose is the most commonly used sweetener. In order to accommodate people with special needs such as diabetes, sorbitol, mannitol, glycerin or other artificial sweeteners can be used as an alternative.

Flavorings: In order to improve the taste and mask the bad taste of some active ingredients, a variety of natural or artificial flavorings are added.

Colorants: Used to enhance the visual appeal of syrups and make them more attractive to consumers.

Preservatives: Although the high sugar content itself has a preservative effect, in order to further prevent the growth of microorganisms, preservatives such as sodium benzoate and parabens are added.

Viscosity enhancers: In order to adjust the viscosity of the syrup so that it is neither too thick nor too thin, additives such as cellulose derivatives are sometimes added.

Process of syrup preparation

There are four ways to make syrup. According to the physical and chemical properties of raw materials, the selection method is selected. 1. Heating solution. 2. Agitation without heat. 3. Sucrose is added to the liquid medicine. 4. Percolation method. The specific steps are:

Dissolve: The sugar or sweetener is dissolved in the carrier, usually by heating, to form a transparent and uniform solution.

Add the active ingredient: The active ingredient is then dissolved or uniformly suspended in the syrup matrix. This process requires precise control to ensure that the active ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the syrup.

Excipients added: Flavorings, colorants, and preservatives are added to the syrup and thoroughly mixed to ensure that all ingredients are evenly dispersed.

Filtration: In order to ensure the clarity of the syrup and remove any particles that may be present, it needs to be filtered.

Packaging: The finished syrups are packaged in sealed containers that are sheltered from light to maintain their long-term stability and prevent chemical degradation.

The flowchart of manufacturing for "Cholophyt" syrup. (Shmalko, O. O., 2016)

Related services at BOC Sciences

Advantages of syrup in pharmacy

Sucrose and aromatics can mask the bad taste of some drugs, easy to take, especially popular with children.

The syrup is easy to swallow and is ideal for patients who have difficulty taking solid dosage forms.

Syrups can accommodate a variety of APIs, including those that are not suitable for solid dosage forms due to their physical properties.

The liquid formulation allows for precise dose adjustment, which is particularly beneficial in pediatric and geriatric medicine where dose needs can vary widely.

A small part of sucrose in the syrup is converted into glucose and fructose, which has reducibility and can prevent the oxidation and deterioration of drugs in the syrup.

Because of the high osmotic pressure, the growth and reproduction of microorganisms are inhibited.

Types of syrups in Pharmacy

Syrups can be classified according to their composition and therapeutic use:

Medicinal syrups: These syrups contain one or more apis. They are formulated to have therapeutic properties such as cough syrups (such as dextromethorphan) and fever reducing syrups (such as paracetamol).

Simple syrup: Does not contain drugs, can be used for the preparation of medicinal syrup and as a taste correction agent, suspension aid application.

Aromatic syrup: Containing aromatic volatile substances, such as orange peel syrup, ginger syrup, etc., mainly used as a taste correction agent.

Sugar-free syrups: These syrups are designed for patients who need to avoid sugar (such as diabetics), using alternative sweeteners to provide the desired taste without the calories of sugar, such as sorbitan syrups.

Uses of syrup in pharmacy

Pediatric medicines: Syrups are particularly popular in pediatric preparations because they are easy to take and have a good taste, which is especially important for improving compliance in pediatric patients.

Geriatric care: Considering that many elderly patients may have difficulty swallowing, syrups provide a more easily ingested liquid form that greatly facilitates the administration of medication for these patients.

Cough and cold medicines: Medicinal syrups are often used to relieve cough and cold symptoms, reducing discomfort through a formula that soothes the throat and tastes pleasant.

Antipyretic and analgesic: Syrups containing acetaminophen (paracetamol) can be used effectively to reduce fever and relieve mild to moderate pain.

Anti-allergy: Syrups containing antihistamines can be used to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, etc., providing quick relief for allergy sufferers.

Nutritional supplements: Syrups can also be used as carriers of vitamins and minerals to ensure that people with special dietary needs receive adequate nutritional support.

An innovative approach to syrup formulation

As science advances and technology evolves, the field of syrup formulations is undergoing constant innovation aimed at improving the efficacy, stability and patient acceptance of these products. Here are some cutting-edge approaches to innovation:

Syrups based on nanoemulsions: Use advanced nanoemulsion technology to improve the bioavailability of insoluble active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). These new formulations can significantly enhance the absorption and therapeutic effects of APIs.

Herbal syrups: Plant extracts and active compounds are incorporated into syrup formulations.

Customized syrups: By customizing syrup formulations to meet the needs of specific patients, such as providing allergen-free or sugar-free syrups.

Sustained release syrups: Developing syrups with slow-release properties to provide a sustained therapeutic effect and reduce the frequency of medication.