Magnesium Silicate
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 6, 2025.
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is it?
Magnesium silicate (MgSiO3) when hydrated is most commonly known as "talc". In the pharmaceutical industry it is used as an anticaking agent to improve powder flow in tablet compression. Talc is used cosmetically in talcum and baby powder as an adsorbent. Talc has been reported to be used in some food products, and is generally recognized as safe by the FDA.[1]
Natural talc contains asbestos, a substance that may lead to lung cancer. However, talcum products used in cosmetics have been free of asbestos since the 1970s.[2] Some studies have reported small increases in ovarian cancer with the use of asbestos-free talcum powder, but studies are conflicting and the results are not definitive. The American Cancer Society suggests corn starch-based cosmetics might be an alternative in those concerned about talc use.[2]
Some examples of medications containing Magnesium Silicate
- Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine Extended Release 20 mg
- Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine Extended Release 10 mg
- Aspirin Enteric Coated 81 mg
- Clindamycin Hydrochloride 300 mg
- Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride 10 mg
- Diclofenac Sodium Delayed Release 75 mg
- Diclofenac Sodium Delayed Release 75 mg
- Escitalopram Oxalate 10 mg (base)
- Escitalopram Oxalate 20 mg (base)
- Escitalopram Oxalate 10 mg (base)
- Famotidine 20 mg
- Gabapentin 300 mg
- Gabapentin 600 mg
- Gabapentin 300 mg
- Gabapentin 600 mg
- Metoprolol Succinate Extended-Release 50 mg
- Penicillin V Potassium 500 mg
- Sevelamer Carbonate 800 mg
- Tamsulosin Hydrochloride 0.4 mg
- Tamsulosin Hydrochloride 0.4 mg
References
- FDA’s SCOGS database; Magnesium silicate, Report No. 61, 1979.; ID Code: 1343-88-0; http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/fcn/fcnDetailNavigation.cfm?rpt=scogsListing&id=61; accessed August 18, 2011.
- American Cancer Society. Talcum Powder and Cancer. http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/CancerCauses/OtherCarcinogens/AtHome/talcum-powder-and-cancer. Accessed August 18, 2011.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.