Diethyl Phthalate
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 19, 2025.
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is it?
Diethyl phthalate (C12H14O4), or DEP is a diethyl ester of phthalic acid. DEP is used as a plasticizer in consumer goods, including plastic packaging films, cosmetics, solvent for fragrances, a surface lubricant in food and pharmaceutical packaging, and in tubing used for medical purposes. It is a colorless, oily liquid.[1]
There are concerns about the toxicity of phthalates in consumer products and the environment. Exposure to DEP can occur through inhalation, ingestion, eye or skin contact. Some studies suggest little toxicity, but other research has identified reproductive toxicity in animal studies.[2]
According to a document published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for occupational safety, diethyl phthalate has irritant effects on the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes and can lead to central nervous system (CNS) effects in exposed workers. CNS effects only occurred in exposed workers after 6 to 7 years of chronic exposure to phthalates.[3]
Some examples of medications containing Diethyl Phthalate
- Carbamazepine (Chewable) 100 mg
- Carbamazepine Extended-Release 100 mg
- Carbamazepine Extended-Release 200 mg
- Carbamazepine Extended-Release 400 mg
- Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride Extended Release 15 mg
- Divalproex Sodium Delayed Release 250 mg
- Divalproex Sodium Delayed Release 500 mg
- Divalproex Sodium Delayed Release 125 mg
- Isosorbide Mononitrate Extended Release 60 mg
- Isosorbide Mononitrate Extended Release 30 mg
- Isosorbide Mononitrate Extended Release 120 mg
- Morphine Sulfate Extended-Release 30 mg
- Potassium Chloride Extended-Release 20 mEq (1500 mg)
- Propranolol Hydrochloride Extended-Release 120 mg
- Propranolol Hydrochloride Extended-Release 80 mg
- Propranolol Hydrochloride Extended-Release 60 mg
- Rabeprazole Sodium Delayed-Release 20 mg
- Verapamil Hydrochloride Extended-Release 180 mg
- Verapamil Hydrochloride Extended-Release 120 mg
- Verapamil Hydrochloride Extended-Release 240 mg
References
- Chemical Information Profile for Diethyl Phthalate. National Toxicology Program National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences National Institutes of Health U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Research Triangle Park, NCNIH. http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/htdocs/chem_background/exsumpdf/diethyl_phthalate.pdf
- Autian J. Toxicity and health threats of phthalate esters: review of the literature. Environmental Health Perspectives 1973. 4: 3–25. Accessed March 31, 2012. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1474854/pdf/envhper00501-0008.pdf
- CDC. Occupational Health and Safety Guideline for Diethyl Phthalate. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/81-123/pdfs/0213.pdf
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.