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Corn Starch

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 3, 2023.

Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)

What is it?

Corn starch is a natural starch product that is derived from the corn kernel. It is a white to slightly yellowish fine powder commonly used in the food and pharmaceutical manufacturing industries.

In the pharmaceutical industry it is used as a disintegrant and binder. Disintegrants enable tablets and capsules to break down into smaller fragments (dissolve) so that the drug can be released for absorption.[1]

Corn starch is on the generally recognized as safe food substances list published by by the FDA.[2]

List of medications using Corn Starch

References

  1. [1]Dave RH. Overview of pharmaceutical excipients used in tablets and capsules. Drug Topics (online). Advanstar. 10/24/2008; http://drugtopics.modernmedicine.com/drugtopics/Top+News/Overview-of-pharmaceutical-excipients-used-intabl/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/561047. Accessed 08/19/2011.
  2. FDA’s SCOGS database; corn starch, Report No. 977050-51-3, 1979.; ID Code: 96; http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/fcn/fcnDetailNavigation.cfm?rpt=scogsListing&id=96. Accessed August 12, 2011

Further information

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