Tag: Pharmaceutical excipients

Over 4,000 years ago, ancient Egyptians and Mesopotamians were using honey and other sugars for medicinal purposes, a tradition that has evolved into surprising modern-day applications for sugar in its various forms. Today, spherical sugar products, commonly known as sugar balls, have a wide range of uses beyond just decorating cakes, extending into pharmaceuticals, alternative medicine, and even traditional remedies.

Over 99% of the body's calcium and over 85% of its phosphorus are found in bones and teeth. Dicalcium Phosphate, or DCP, is a white, odorless crystalline powder that serves as an essential source of these two critical minerals in many products. Commercially, what are DCP ingredients and how are they produced for various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and animal feed?

While chemically related, polysorbate and sorbitol are not the same substance. A polysorbate is a complex fatty acid ester compound, whereas sorbitol is a sugar alcohol and a key precursor in the creation of polysorbates. This distinction is crucial for understanding their different functions as food additives, cosmetic ingredients, and pharmaceutical excipients.

Comprising about 2–8% of milk by weight, lactose is a versatile ingredient widely used beyond dairy products, primarily in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Its unique properties make it an invaluable component for manufacturers seeking to improve the quality, stability, and texture of their products.

Starch, a polymeric carbohydrate produced by most green plants for energy storage, is a fundamental ingredient in countless applications. While raw, or native, starch requires cooking to thicken, the key difference between starch and pregelatinized starch lies in a processing step that unlocks new functionalities, creating a pre-cooked product ready for instant use.

According to a study published in *The Pharmaceutical Journal*, a standard 500mg paracetamol tablet contains only 0.3 calories. While the idea of medication having calories can be concerning, especially for those meticulously tracking their intake, the reality is far from alarming. The calorie content is virtually insignificant for most people's diets.

Over 70% of people have anti-PEG antibodies, indicating prior exposure even without intentional ingestion of PEGylated drugs. This widespread presence naturally raises the question, "Is polyethylene glycol unhealthy?" and brings its safety profile into focus for consumers.

While the vast majority of oral drug products contain no or very low gluten, for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, even trace amounts from inactive ingredients can be harmful. This makes the question, "Is tablet gluten free?" a critical consideration for managing your health and diet effectively.

As the most common carbohydrate in the human diet, starch serves as a primary energy source, but its utility extends far beyond nutrition. This polysaccharide is a versatile ingredient used for a vast array of functional purposes, from thickening soups to strengthening paper and creating biodegradable plastics.

According to manufacturers and scientific literature, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is classified as a cellulose-based hydrocolloid due to its ability to form a colloidal, gel-like solution when dispersed in water. Its unique properties make it a staple in a variety of industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and construction.