Pharmaceutical Excipients
A tablet contains active ingredients as well as
other substances known as excipients,
which have specific functions. A pharmaceutical
excipient is defined as an inactive ingredient or any
component other than the active ingredient added
intentionally to the medicinal formulation
or everything in the formulation except the active
drug.
Pharmaceutical excipients are also called
additives, pharmaceutical ingredients, or inactive
pharmaceutical ingredients. The reasons for
selecting and adding these pharmaceutical
excipients in formulations are to alter the
Physicochemical properties such as solubility,
stability and metabolism. The Bioavailability of drugs
can also be varied by pharmaceutical
excipients.
Pharmaceutical excipents are categorised into
the following
Dilutents or fillers are commonly added to
increase the bulk of the formulation
Binders to cause the adhesion of the powdered
drug and pharmaceutical substances
Antiadherents or lubricants to assist in the
smooth tableting process
Disintegrating agents to promote tablet break -
up after administration
Coating agents to improve stability, control
disintegration, or enhance appearance
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