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Acetone

Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 4, 2019.

What is it?

Acetone (propanone) is a colorless, volatile, flammable liquid. In the body, extremely small amounts are found in normal urine, but larger quantities occur in the urine and blood of people with diabetes, sometimes imparting a fruity odor to the urine and breath. Acetone is one of the ketone bodies, and is used as a solvent in many pharmaceutical and commercial preparations. Acetone is an organic compound with the formula (CH3)2CO. In medicine, dermatologists use acetone with alcohol for skin treatments for acne. In cosmetics, acetone is a primary component of nail polish remover.[1]

[1] Drugs.com. Stedman's Medical Dictionary. Accessed 1/10/2014. http://www.drugs.com/dict/acetone.html

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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