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Tablet direct compression excipient is used in direct compression tablet formulations.

Examples

Dibasic calcium phosphate (e.g., Ditab)

Tablet and capsule diluents are used as inert filler to create desired bulk, flow properties, and compression characteristics of tablets and capsules.

Examples

Dibasic calcium phosphate
Kaolin

Tablet binders are substances used to cause adhesion of powder particles in tablet granulations.

Examples

Acacia

Tablet antiadherents are used to prevent tablet ingredients from sticking to punches and dies during production.

Sweetening agent is used to impart sweetness to a preparation.

Examples

Aspartame
Dextrose

Suppository base is used as vehicle for suppositories.

Examples

Cocoa butter
Polyethylene glycols (mixtures)
PEG 3350

Surfactants (surface active agent) are substances that absorb to surfaces or interfaces to reduce surface or interfacial tension. May be used as wetting agents, detergents, or emulsifying agents.

Examples

Benzalkonium

Suspending agent are viscosity-increasing agent used to reduce sedimentation rate of particles in a vehicle in which they are not soluble; suspension may be formulated for oral, parenteral, ophthalmic, topical, or other route.

Stiffening agent is used to increase thickness or hardness of a preparation, usually an ointment.

Examples

Cetyl alcohol
Cetyl esters wax

Solvent is used to dissolve another substance in preparation of a solution; may be aqueous or not (e.g., oleaginous). Cosolvents, such as water and alcohol (hydroalcoholic) and water and glycerin, may be used when needed. Sterile solvents are used in certain preparations (e.g., injections).

Examples

Alcohol

Plasticizer is a component of film-coating solutions to make film more pliable, enhance spread of coat over tablets, beads, and granules.
Examples
• Diethyl phthalate
• Glycerin

Ointment base is semisolid vehicle for medicated ointments.

Examples

Lanolin
Hydrophilic ointment
Polyethylene glycol ointment
Petrolatum
Hydrophilic petrolatum

Levigating agent liquid is used as an intervening agent to reduce the particle size of a powder by grinding, usually in a mortar.
Examples
• Mineral oil
• Glycerin
• Propylene glycol

Humectant is used to prevent drying of preparations, particularly ointments and creams.

Examples

Glycerin
Propylene glycol
Sorbitol