Excipients have multiple functions, mainly including the following aspects:
Shaping and molding: Excipients can make drugs into preparations that meet the needs of clinical medication, such as adding solvents to liquid preparations, adding diluents and adhesives to tablets, etc.
Improve the stability of drugs: Excipients can increase the chemical, physical and biological stability of drugs. For example, chemical stabilizers can prevent drug oxidation, and physical stabilizers such as suspending agents and emulsifiers can improve the physical properties of drugs.
Reduce adverse drug reactions: By using specific excipients, the adverse reactions of drugs can be reduced. For example, enteric-coated tablets can protect drugs from being destroyed by gastric acid, so that they can fully play their role in the intestines.
Regulate the effect of drugs: Excipients can adjust the duration of drug action, making them have functions such as rapid release, sustained release, and targeting. In addition, excipients can also improve the physiological needs of drugs, such as buffers, isotonic agents, flavoring agents, etc.
Other functions: Excipients can also be used as auxiliary materials to facilitate the preparation process. For example, lubricants can improve the powder properties of drugs and make the production of solid preparations smoother.
