Solutions are liquid preparations that contain one or more chemical substances dissolved, i.e., molecularly dispersed, in a suitable solvent or mixture of mutually miscible solvents. Since molecules in solutions are uniformly dispersed, the use of solutions as dosage forms generally provides for the assurance of uniform dosage upon administration, and good accuracy when diluting or otherwise mixing solutions.
Substances in solutions, however, are more susceptible to chemical instability than the solid state and dose for dose, generally require more bulk and weight in packaging relative to solid dosage forms. For all solutions, but particularly those containing volatile solvents, tight containers, stored away from excessive heat, should be used. Consideration should also be given to the use of light-resistant containers when photolytic chemical degradation is a potential stability problem. Dosage forms categorized as “Solutions” are classified according to route of administration, such as “Oral Solutions” and “Topical Solutions,” or by their solute and solvent systems, such as “Spirits,” “Tinctures,” and “Waters.” Solutions intended for parenteral administration are officially entitled “Injections” (see
Injections 
1
).
Oral Solutions
Oral Solutions are liquid preparations, intended for oral administration, that contain one or more substances with or without flavoring, sweetening, or coloring agents dissolved in water or cosolvent-water mixtures. Oral Solutions may be formulated for direct oral administration to the patient or they may be dispensed in a more concentrated form that must be diluted prior to administration. It is important to recognize that dilution with water of Oral Solutions containing cosolvents, such as alcohol, could lead to precipitation of some ingredients. Hence, great care must be taken in diluting concentrated solutions when cosolvents are present. Preparations dispensed as soluble solids or soluble mixtures of solids, with the intent of dissolving them in a solvent and administering them orally, are designated “for Oral Solution” (e.g., Potassium Chloride for Oral Solution).
Oral Solutions containing high concentrations of sucrose or other sugars traditionally have been designated as Syrups. A near-saturated solution of sucrose in purified water, for example, is known as Syrup or “Simple Syrup.” Through common usage the term, syrup, also has been used to include any other liquid dosage form prepared in a sweet and viscid vehicle, including oral suspensions.
In addition to sucrose and other sugars, certain polyols such as sorbitol or glycerin may be present in Oral Solutions to inhibit crystallization and to modify solubility, taste, mouth-feel, and other vehicle properties. Antimicrobial agents to prevent the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds are generally also present. Some sugarless Oral Solutions contain sweetening agents such as sorbitol or aspartame, as well as thickening agents such as the cellulose gums. Such viscid sweetened solutions, containing no sugars, are occasionally prepared as vehicles for administration of drugs to diabetic patients.
Many oral solutions, that contain alcohol as a cosolvent, have been traditionally designated as Elixirs. However, many others designated as Oral Solutions also contain significant amounts of alcohol. Since high concentrations of alcohol can produce a pharmacologic effect when administered orally, other cosolvents, such as glycerin and propylene glycol, should be used to minimize the amount of alcohol required. To be designated as an Elixir, however, the solution must contain alcohol.
Topical Solutions
Topical Solutions are solutions, usually aqueous but often containing other solvents, such as alcohol and polyols, intended for topical application to the skin, or as in the case of Lidocaine Oral Topical Solution, to the oral mucosal surface. The term “lotion” is applied to solutions or suspensions applied topically.
Tinctures
Tinctures are alcoholic or hydroalcoholic solutions prepared from vegetable materials or from chemical substances.
The proportion of drug represented in the different chemical tinctures is not uniform but varies according to the established standards for each. Traditionally, tinctures of potent vegetable drugs essentially represent the activity of 10 g of the drug in each 100 mL of tincture, the potency being adjusted following assay. Most other vegetable tinctures represent 20 g of the respective vegetable material in each 100 mL of tincture.
PROCESS P
Carefully mix the ground drug or mixture of drugs with a sufficient quantity of the prescribed solvent or solvent mixture to render it evenly and distinctly damp, allow it to stand for 15 minutes, transfer it to a suitable percolator, and pack the drug firmly. Pour on enough of the prescribed solvent or solvent mixture to saturate the drug, cover the top of the percolator, and, when the liquid is about to drip from the percolator, close the lower orifice and allow the drug to macerate for 24 hours or for the time specified in the monograph. If no assay is directed, allow the percolation to proceed slowly, or at the specified rate, gradually adding sufficient solvent or solvent mixture to produce 1000 mL of tincture, and mix (for definitions of flow rates, see under Extracts and Fluidextracts). If an assay is directed, collect only 950 mL of percolate, mix this, and assay a portion of it as directed. Dilute the remainder with such quantity of the prescribed solvent or solvent mixture as calculation from the assay indicates is necessary to produce a tincture that conforms to the prescribed standard, and mix.
PROCESS M
Macerate the drug with 750 mL of the prescribed solvent or solvent mixture in a container that can be closed, and put in a warm place. Agitate it frequently during 3 days or until the soluble matter is dissolved. Transfer the mixture to a filter, and when most of the liquid has drained away, wash the residue on the filter with a sufficient quantity of the prescribed solvent or solvent mixture, combining the filtrates, to produce 1000 mL of tincture, and mix.
Tinctures require storage in tight, light-resistant containers, away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
Waters, Aromatic
Aromatic waters are clear, saturated aqueous solutions (unless otherwise specified) of volatile oils or other aromatic or volatile substances. Their odors and tastes are similar, respectively, to those of the drugs or volatile substances from which they are prepared, and they are free from empyreumatic and other foreign odors. Aromatic waters may be prepared by distillation or solution of the aromatic substance, with or without the use of a dispersing agent.
Aromatic waters require protection from intense light and excessive heat.
