Excipients Flashcards
(7 cards)
Diluent
Provides bulk and enables accurate dosing of potent ingredients (compounding)
ex: sugar (lactose, etc.), silicates, Ca and Mg salts, Na or K chloride
Binders, granulating agents, compression aids
Binds tablet ingredients together giving form and mechanical strength
ex: natural or synthetic polymers (sugars, starches, sugar alcohols, cellulose derivatives)
Disintegrants
Aid in dispersion of tablet (breakup of tablet) in the GI tract which releases the active ingredient and increases the surface area for dissolution
ex: Compounds that swell or dissolve in water (starch, cellulose derivatives, alginates, crospovidone
Glidants
Improve the flow of powders during tablet manufacturing by reducing friction. Also used in anti-caking agents
ex: Colliodal anhydrous silicon and other silica compounds
Lubricants
Similar action to glidants, however, they slow disintegration and dissolution.
ex: Stearic acid and its salts (eg magnesium stearate)
Tablet coatings and films
Protect tablet from environment (air, light, moisture), increase mechanical strength, mask taste and smell, aid in swallowing, assist in product identification
ex: Polymers that are insoluble in acid e.g. cellulose acetate phthalate
Coloring agents
Improve acceptability to patients, aid in identification and prevent counterfeiting. Increase stability of light-sensitive drugs
ex: Mainly synthetic dyes and natural colors. Compounds that are themselves natural pigments of food may also be used.
