Alcohol
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 27, 2024.
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is it?
There are four types of alcohol: methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, propyl alcohol and butyl alcohol. Ethyl alcohol, or ethanol (C2H5OH), is the type used in the production of alcoholic beverages. The other three types, methyl, propyl and butyl alcohol, if consumed can result in blindness and death, even in relatively small doses.
Alcohol, (C2H6O), also known as ethyl alcohol or ethanol, is the intoxicating agent found in beer, wine and liquor. Alcohol is produced by fermentation of yeast, sugars, and starches. Fruits such as grapes, and grains like barley and wheat are most commonly used for wine, beer and liquors. Other plants, such as the cactus or sugar cane may be used in liquor production.[1] Alcohol is used as a solvent and vehicle in a variety of medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
Alcohol is used in the pharmaceutical industry in a variety of manufacturing processes. It has bactericidal activity and is often used as a topical disinfectant, especially in alcohol gel for hands. It is also widely used as a solvent and preservative in pharmaceutical preparations.[2]
List of medications using Alcohol
- Amoxicillin trihydrate 500 mg
- Bupropion Hydrochloride Extended-Release (SR) 100 mg
- Bupropion Hydrochloride Extended-Release (SR) 150 mg
- Bupropion Hydrochloride Extended-Release (XL) 300 mg
- Divalproex Sodium Delayed Release 500 mg
- Doxycycline Hyclate 100 mg
- Doxycycline Hyclate 100 mg
- Duloxetine Hydrochloride Delayed-Release 60 mg
- Duloxetine Hydrochloride Delayed-Release 30 mg
- Duloxetine Hydrochloride Delayed-Release 20 mg
- Gabapentin 300 mg
- Indomethacin 50 mg
- Metformin Hydrochloride 500 mg
- Nitrofurantoin (Monohydrate/Macrocrystals) 100 mg
- Omeprazole Delayed Release 20 mg
- Omeprazole Delayed Release 20 mg
- Omeprazole Delayed Release 20 mg
- Tamsulosin Hydrochloride 0.4 mg
- Temazepam 30 mg
- Temazepam 15 mg
References
- Drugs.com. Alcohol. Accessed 8/17/2012. http://www.drugs.com/alcohol.html
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compund. Ethanol. http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=702&loc=ec_rcs
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
