Excipient classification and types

Classification and types of Excipient

Word Excipient is derived from a Latin word Excipere means `To except` simply its mean `other than`.
Other than API all other ingredients in a dosage form are excipients.
  • Some excipients have numerous functions e.g starch is used as a binder, disintegrant and also as a diluent.
Properties of Excipientd
Excipients should have the following properties
  • No Pharmacological effect.
  • Cost-effective.
  • Meet regulatory requirements.
  • Chemically and physiologically stable.
  • Commercially available.
Role of Excipients
  • Help in the manufacturing of the drug delivery system.
  • Enhance product stability e.g antimicrobial preservatives.
  • Help in Product identification e.g colourants.
  • Protect the dosage form from oxidation.
  • Improve the bioavailability of the drug.
  • Sweeteners modify the taste of medicine.
         Classification of Excipients

According to Route of Administration
  • Excipients for OSD
  • Excipients for Parenteral Products
  • Excipients for Topical Product.
                  According to Origin

Marine Origin
  • Agar
  • chitosan
Animal Origin
  • Lactose(Dairy industry byproduct)
  • Gelatin(Bones and collagen of animals)
  • Bee wax
  • Stearic acid
  • Shellac
  • Lanolin
  • Organic Chemicals
  • Sugars
  • Starch
  • Cellulose
Inorganic Chemicals
  • Calcium carbonate
Synthetic
  • PVP
Semisynthetic
  • HPC
  • HPMC
According to Function
  • Diluents
  • Disintegrants
  • Binders
  • Glidents
  • Lubricants
  • Colourants
  • Sweeteners
  • Preservatives
  • Suspending Agents
  • Flavouring Agents
  • Film former etc

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