Replacing Alcohol in Liquid Medication

Replacing alcohol in a liquid medication requires understanding its function in the original formula. Alcohol can act as a solvent, a preservative, or even affect taste and texture. The best alternative depends on which of these roles is most important.

Here are a couple of potential alternatives based on common formulation practices and the products found:

• For solvent and humectant properties: Sorbitol Solution 70% can be used. Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that functions as a humectant (helps retain moisture) and can also act as a solvent for some ingredients. It can also contribute to the viscosity and mouthfeel of a liquid product.
• For preservative properties: Phenoxyethanol P5 is a broad-spectrum preservative effective against bacteria, yeast, and mold. If the primary role of alcohol was preservation, using a dedicated preservative like Phenoxyethanol P5 at the appropriate concentration (typically 0.5-1.0%) could be a suitable alternative.

When reformulating, consider the solubility of your active ingredients without alcohol, the required preservation efficacy, and any desired taste or texture characteristics. It might be necessary to use a combination of ingredients to fully replace all functions of alcohol. Always ensure that any replacement ingredients are suitable for use in medication and comply with relevant regulations.