This best-selling handbook has been extensive and describes more than 4500 trade name and more than 3000 generic chemical components that are used in the formulation of both prescription and over-the-counter drugs. These additives enable or enhance the therapeutic delivery of the active ingredients in a variety of medications that include orals, topicals, suppositories, injectables, inhalants, etc. The chemical and material additives contained in this reference serve to: improve flow, taste, appearance; aid product uniformity; increase stability; and control bioavailability. Some of the functional additives included in this reference are:
- Absorbents/Adsorbents
- Acidulents/Buffer/pH adjuster/Neutralizers
- Aerosols/Propellants
- Anticaking agents
- Anticoagulants
- Antigellants
- Anti-inflammatory agents/Antiphlogistic agents
- Antimicrobials
- Antioxidants
- Astringents
- Bases
- Chelating agents/Sequestrants
- Coagulants
- Coating agents
- Colorants
- Complexing agents
- Conditioners
- Controlled release agent
- Crystal growth Regulators
- Denaturants
- Desiccants
- Dietary Supplements
- Dispersants
- Emollients
- Emulsifiers
- Encapsulants
- Enzymes
- Fillers/Extenders/Diluents/Excipients Flavors/Flavor enhancers
- Flow aids
- Fragrances
- Gellants
- Hardeners
- Humectants
- Lubricants
- Moisturizer
- Nutritive fortifiers
- Odor masking agents
- Opacifiers
- Permeation enhancers
- Plasticizers
- Protective agents
- Solvents
- Spreading agents
- Stabilizers
- Superfatting agents
- Sweeteners
- Synergists
- Tablet binders
- Tablet disintegrants
- Tabletting aids
- Tonicity agents
- UV absorbers
- Vehicles/Carriers
- Viscosity modifier
- Water repellants
- Wetting agents
Additive ingredients are an essential part of the pharmaceutical formulation and information about these chemicals and materials are critical to the manufacturer, quality controller, pharmacist, physician, and consumer.