Advantage And Disadvantage Of Pharmaceutical Linctus

Linctuses is a form of liquid dosage, prepared using a monophasic liquid preparation method. It is a liquid oral preparation that is chiefly used for a demulcent, expectorant or sedative purpose, principally in the treatment of cough. As such, a linctus is intended to be sipped slowly and allowed to trickle down the throat in an undiluted form. Consequently, linctuses are formulated as viscous solutions which contain sugars and one or more medicaments.

Linctus

In order to obtain prolonged local action, linctuses should be administered slowly in undiluted form. They should be sip slowly over a prolonged period of time to prolong their effect.

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Advantage Of Pharmaceutical Linctus

1. Does not contain alcohol hence suitable for those who want to stay of it

2. Linctus masks the unpleasant taste and odor of medicinal agents well and does not need flavouring agent or high amount of it

3. Linctus may provide prolonged effects of medication due to viscous and thickening

Disadvantage Of Linctus

1. Too viscous for elderly be pediatric

2. Not suitable for rapid action

Composition Of Linctus

1. The active ingredient

2. Sweetener such as glycerine

3. Stabilizer: syrup, sorbitol (linctus preparation for diabetic patients contain sorbitol syrup)

4. Coloring agents: compound tartrazine solution, coal tar dyes, etc

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5. Preservatives: benzoic acid, chloroform spirits, cinnamic acid, tolu syrup (preferred in cough preparations due to its aromatic odor and flavour), etc

6. Flavoring agents: tolu syrup, fruit flavored syrup, lemon syrup, blackcurrant syrup

Preparation Of Linctuses

Medicament is dissolved in water then additives are added with continuous agitation. In this mixture syrup is slowly added up to the mark. Linctuses are supplied in a well closed air tight container having screw caps stored in a cool place, protected from light.