Multivitamin drops

FIGURE 5 Total peroxide (circles), catalase-resistant peroxides (squares), and H202 as the difference (triangles) were measured in three lots of oral multivitamins without riboflavin (Tri-Vi-Sol) and three lots of oral multivitamins with 0.6 mg of riboflavin (Poli-Vi-Sol) by time after the initial opening of the bottle. Compared with the preparation without riboflavin, the level of H202 was initially higher (P < 0.01) in (Poli-Vi-Sol), and that level dropped over time (P < 0.05). In both multivitamin preparations, the levels of catalase-resistant and total peroxide rose (P < 0.05) until day 8. Data represent the mean + standard error of the mean. Variations too small relative to the symbol are not shown [30]. 

The formulator of liquid multivitamin pharmaceutical products such as baby drops, syrups, elixirs, and injectables encounters numerous problems in attempting to develop products having adequate physical and chemical stability as well as suitable taste, odor, color, and freedom from bacterial contamination. Many of these problems arise from the diflFering solubility and stability characteristics of the individual vitamins, particularly as these relate to the pH of the solutions and potential interactions. Despite these numerous problems, various ways have been devised for producing multivitamin combinations in liquid form containing L-ascorbic acid that have acceptable stability characteristics. Successful development of such products requires a knowledge of (i) the fundamental aspects of the physical and chemical properties of the vitamin forms available (ii) the use of adequate techniques of manufacture and (iii) the employment of suitable overages based on critical stability studies. 

Thielemann, H. (1974). One dimensional thin-layer chromatography of multivitamin preparations (Summavit 10 and Summavit drops) on activated foil UV 254. Sci. Pharm. 42 145-149. 

---