Common examples of adverse reactions to excipients

Excipient: Tartrazine
Function: Colouring agent
Caution in practice: Reported cases of hypersensitivity, and hyperkinetic activity in children

Excipient: Aspartame
Function: Sweetener
Caution in practice: Caution in patients with phenylketonuria

Excipient: Benzalkonium chloride
Function: Preservative
Caution in practice: Bronchoconstriction (nebuliser solutions) and ocular toxicity (soft contact lens solutions)

Excipient: Sodium metabisulphite
Function: Antioxidant
Caution in practice: Hypersensitivity, including bronchospasm and anaphylaxis, are reported for all sulphites

Excipient: Propyl gallate
Function: Antioxidant
Caution in practice: Contact sensitivity and skin reactions

Excipient: Lactose
Function: Tablet filler
Caution in practice: Caution in patients with galactosaemia, glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome, or lactase deficiency

Excipient: Sesame oil
Function: Oil (injections)
Caution in practice: Hypersensitivity reactions reported

Excipient: Lanolin (wool fat)
Function: Emulsifier (topical products)
Caution in practice: Skin hypersensitivity reactions, caution in patients with known sensitivity



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