Excipients

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Excipients

Excipients (/ɪkˈsɪpiənts/) are substances that are included in medications to serve specific functions. They are typically used to improve the manufacturing process, protect, support or enhance stability, or for bioavailability or patient acceptability. They have no therapeutic effects.

Etymology

The term "excipient" comes from the Latin excipere, meaning "to except", which refers to the substance in a pharmaceutical product that is not the active ingredient.

Types of Excipients

There are several types of excipients, each serving a unique purpose in the formulation of a drug. Some of the most common types include:

  • Fillers: These are used to bulk up the formulation, especially if the active ingredient is very small.
  • Binders: These help to hold the tablet together and give it shape.
  • Disintegrants: These help the tablet to break up once it is in the stomach.
  • Lubricants: These help prevent the tablet from sticking to the machinery during production.
  • Coatings: These are used to protect the tablet from the stomach acids and to make it easier to swallow.
  • Preservatives: These are used to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in the formulation.
  • Flavorings and Colorings: These are used to make the medication more palatable and visually appealing.

Related Terms

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