Inactive ingredient
Inactive ingredient
An inactive ingredient (pronunciation: /ɪnˈæktɪv ˈɪnɡriːdiənt/) is a component of a drug product that does not increase or affect the therapeutic action of the active ingredient, and is added to the drug product for various purposes.
Etymology
The term "inactive ingredient" is derived from the English words "inactive", meaning not in a state of action or not working, and "ingredient", which refers to one of the parts of something.
Purpose
Inactive ingredients are added to pharmaceutical products for a variety of reasons. They may be used to improve the taste, appearance, or stability of the product, to extend the shelf life, or to aid in the delivery of the active ingredient to the body. In some cases, they may also be used to enhance the overall effectiveness of the product.
Related terms
- Active ingredient: The component of a drug that is intended to have therapeutic effects.
- Excipient: A substance, other than the active drug, that is included in a medication to help deliver the active ingredient, improve taste or stability, or preserve the medication.
- Pharmaceutical formulation: The process in which different chemical substances, including the active drug, are combined to produce a final medicinal product.
Potential issues
While inactive ingredients do not have a therapeutic effect, they can cause adverse reactions in some individuals. These can include allergic reactions or sensitivities to certain substances. It is important for healthcare providers to be aware of these potential issues when prescribing medication.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Inactive ingredient
- Wikipedia's article - Inactive ingredient
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