Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?
Sodium lauryl sulfate (C12H25SO4Na) is a surface-active agent used in cleaning and cosmetic products. It is also known by the term sodium dodecyl sulfate. It is used in industrial strength degreasers, floor cleaners, bubble bath and toothpastes. In the pharmaceutical industry, it has been used as an excipient in dissolvable dosage forms.
Sodium lauryl sulfate has not been shown to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing) when either applied directly to the skin or consumed. However, in animal studies sodium lauryl sulfate has been shown to be irritating to the eyes and skin when applied topically. If sodium lauryl sulfate is left in contact with human skin and not washed immediately, concentrations should not exceed one percent.[1] Sodium lauryl sulfate has also been implicated in causing canker sores, often from use of toothpaste or mouthwashes that contain this ingredient.[2]
[1] CIR publication (1983). "Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate". International Journal of Toxicology 2 (7): 127–81. http://ijt.sagepub.com/content/2/7/127. Accessed on August 30, 2011
[2] The Mayo Clinic. Health Information. Canker Sore: Causes. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/canker-sore/DS00354/DSECTION=causes. Accessed on August 30, 2011
Top Medications Containing Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone Bitartrate 325 mg / 7.5 mg (Qualitest Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
- Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone Bitartrate 325 mg / 5 mg (Qualitest Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
- Alprazolam 1 mg (Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
- Alprazolam 0.5 mg (Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
- Alprazolam 2 mg (Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
- Amitriptyline Hydrochloride 25 mg (Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
- Buspirone Hydrochloride 15 mg (Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
- Cephalexin Monohydrate 500 mg (Teva Pharmaceuticals USA)
- Clonazepam 1 mg (Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
- Clonazepam 0.5 mg (Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
- Clonazepam 2 mg (Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
- Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride 10 mg (Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
- Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride 5 mg (Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
- Diazepam 5 mg (Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
- Diazepam 10 mg (Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
- HydrOXYzine Pamoate 25 mg (Sandoz Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
- Lyrica 75 mg (Pfizer U.S. Pharmaceuticals Group)
- Nabumetone 500 mg (Teva Pharmaceuticals USA)
- Tramadol Hydrochloride 50 mg (Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
- Zolpidem Tartrate 10 mg (Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
