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