SOLVENT

Purified Water, Sterile Water, alcohol, peanut oil, vegetable oil

Vehicle

Dissolve or disperse drug

Syrups (sugar solutions)

Elixirs (hydroalcoholic)

Flavors and Sweeteners

Make Drug Palatable

Flavors: Peppermint, Vanillin, Cocoa, Cinnamon Oil

Sweeteners: Sucrose, Mannitol, Sorbitol, Glycerin, Dextrose

Preservatives

Prevent Microbial Growth

Antifungals: Parabens(methyl, ethyl, butyl), Benzoic Acid, Sodium Benzoate

Antimicrobial: Benzalkonium Chloride, Chlorbutanol, Phenol

Stabilizers (antioxidants, chelating agents)

Prevent Decomposition

Antioxidants: Ascorbic Acid(vitamin C), Sodium Ascorbate, Sodium Metabisulfate

Chelating Agents: Edetic Acid, Edetate Disodium

Diluents/Fillers

Increase Bulk of Formulation

Microcrystalline Cellulose, Starch, Lactose, Mannitol

Binders

Cause Adhesion

Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose, Ethyl Cellulose, Gelatin

Disintegrating Agents

Help Break Tablet After Incubation in Water

Microcrystalline Cellulose, Starch

Antiadherents/ Lubricants/ Glidants

Reduce Friction During Compression, Improve Flow

Stearates(calcium, magnesium, zinc), Talc

Surfactants

Help Dispersion

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Ointment Bases

Petrolatum, Polyethylene Glycol

Coating Agents

Taste Masking: Enteric Coating(protection), Sugar Coating(liquid glucose, sucrose), Film Coating(ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose), Enteric Coating(Cellulose Acetate Phthalate, Shellac)