Diethyl Phthalate
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]
[1] 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
[2] 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
[3] CDC. Occupational Health and Safety Guideline for Diethyl Phthalate. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/81-123/pdfs/0213.pdf
Top Medications with this excipient
- Didanosine Delayed Release 125 mg (Aurobindo Pharma)
- Didanosine Delayed Release 200 mg (Aurobindo Pharma)
- Didanosine Delayed Release 250 mg (Aurobindo Pharma)
- Didanosine Delayed Release 400mg (Aurobindo Pharma)
- Didanosine Delayed Release 125 mg (Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
- Didanosine Delayed Release 400 mg (Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
- Embeda morphine 20 mg / naltrexone 0.8 mg (Pfizer Inc)
- Galantamine Hydrobromide Extended Release 8 mg (Global Pharmaceuticals)
- Galantamine Hydrobromide Extended Release 16 mg (Global Pharmaceuticals)
- Galantamine Hydrobromide Extended Release 24 mg (Global Pharmaceuticals)
- Propranolol Hydrochloride Extended-Release 60 mg (Breckenridge Pharmaceutical, Inc.)
- Ranitidine Hydrochloride 300 mg (Wockhardt USA Inc)
- Razadyne ER 8 mg (Ortho McNeil Pharmaceutical)
- Ropinirole Hydrochloride Extended-Release 6 mg (Sandoz Inc.)
- Verapamil Hydrochloride Extended Release 300 mg (Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
- Verapamil Hydrochloride Extended Release 100 mg (Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
- Videx EC 125 mg (Bristol-Myers Squibb Company)
- VIDEX EC 200 MG (Bristol-Myers Squibb)
- Videx EC 250 mg (Bristol-Myers Squibb)
- Videx EC 400 mg (Bristol-Myers Squibb)
