Syrups are liquid medicines, of a viscid consistence. They are solutions of sugar alone, or sugar mixed with honey and dissolved in water, wine, vinegar, or diluted acetic acid.
Simple syrup is a solution of sugar in water, and forms the basis of many medicated syrups.
Medicated syrups are those in which one or more medicinal agents enter into the solution, and are commonly prepared by incorporating sugar with vegetable, aqueous or spirituous solutions, expressed juices, etc. The stability of a syrup depends on its composition and consistence, the temperature, and the amount of exposure to the air. If it be not injured by heat, concentration may be conducted with a brisk fire, and effected as rapidly as possible. After the syrup has cooled, if a pellicle forms upon its surface, it has been concentrated too much. One fluid drachm of Hoffman's Anodyne to the pint of syrup will effectually check a tendency to fermentation.