Glossary

Mixture
A combination of different drugs or ingredients, as a fluid resulting from mixing a
fluid with other fluids, or with solids, or a suspension of a solid in a liquid.

Oral Suspension
A suspension consisting of undissolved particles of one or more medicinal agents
mixed with a liquid vehicle for oral administration (e.g. nystatin powder for oral
suspension).

Emulsion
A preparation in which fine droplets of one liquid (such as oil) are dispersed in
another liquid (such as water). In pharmacy medicines are prepared in the form of
emulsions to disguise the taste of an oil, which is dispersed in a flavoured liquid.

Solution
In pharmacology, a term used to denote a liquid preparation containing one or several
soluble chemical substances usually dissolved in water and not, for various reasons,
falling into another category (e.g., syrup, elixir).

Syrup
A concentrated solution of a sugar, such as sucrose, in water or other aqueous liquid,
sometimes with a medicinal agent added.

Elixir
A clear, sweetened, alcohol- containing, usually hydroalcoholic liquid containing
flavoring substances and sometimes active medicinal agents. Generally is used as the
vehicle for bitter or nauseous drugs.

Cream
In pharmaceutical preparations, a semisolid dosage form being either an emulsion of
oil and water or an aqueous microcrystalline dispersion of a long-chain fatty acid or
alcohol.

Ointment
A greasy preparation, which may or may not contain medication, for use on skin or
mucous membranes. Although less pleasant to use than the equivalent cream, it is

more effective since it forms an impermeable layer in the outer layer of the skin,
reducing evaporation from the surface.

Lotion
A liquid or semiliquid preparation containing one or more active ingredients in a
suitable vehicle, for external application to the body; most are suspensions of solids in
an aqueous medium, but some are solutions or emulsions. Lotions usually have a
cooling, soothing, or antiseptic action.

Liniments
A liquid preparation for external application or application to the gums; they may be
clear dispersions, suspension, or emulsion, and are frequently applied by friction to
the skin; used as counterirritants, rubefacients, anodynes, or cleansing agents.

Linctus
A syrupy or sticky preparation containing medicaments exerting a local action on the
mucous membrane of the throat (e.g. particularly one used in the treatment of
irritating coughs).

Paste
(in pharmacy) a medicinal preparation of a soft sticky consistency, which is applied
externally.

Hydrogel
A gel that has water as its dispersion medium.

Paint
(in pharmacy) a liquid preparation (a solution or suspension of one or more
medicaments) which is applied to the skin with a brush or large applicator.