Elixir, a sweetened aromatic hydro-alcohol liquid used to compound oral medicines. What is the abbreviation?

• A. Elix.
• B. Comp.
• C. Cap.
• D. Amp.

Answer: (A)

Abbreviations used on prescriptions and in compounding records indicate the dosage form. An elixir is a sweetened aromatic hydro-alcoholic liquid used to compound oral medicines, so the standard shorthand for this form is Elix. This distinguishes it from other forms: Comp. would mean a compounded preparation, Cap. a capsule, and Amp. an ampule. Therefore, Elix. correctly identifies the dosage form as an elixir.