Shellac
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 27, 2023.
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is it?
Shellac is composed of hydroxyaliphatic acids and alicyclic acids. Shellac has been used in the pharmaceutical industry as a tablet coating, often for enteric coating on tablets. In the cosmetics industry, shellac has been used in mascara, hair spray, nail polish and eyeliner. Traditionally, shellac has been used in the furniture industry as a wood or paint sealant.[1]
The median lethal dose for shellac has been found to be more than 5 grams per kilogram, many more times than what the average consumer might be exposed. Toxicity studies in animals have shown no adverse effects from oral, dermal, ocular or respiratory tract exposure to formulations containing up to 6 percent shellac. Mutagenicity, irritation, sensitization and photosensitization were not seen in clinical analysis of cosmetic formulations containing up to 6 percent shellac. However, reports from 2011 note cases of allergic contact dermatitis in the eye area of those who used certain cosmetics, such as mascara.[1][2]
List of medications using Shellac
- Amoxicillin trihydrate 500 mg
- Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine Extended Release 20 mg
- Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine Extended Release 30 mg
- Aspirin 81 mg
- Bupropion Hydrochloride Extended-Release (XL) 150 mg
- Cephalexin 500 mg
- Cephalexin Monohydrate 500 mg
- Clindamycin Hydrochloride 300 mg
- Clindamycin Hydrochloride 300 mg
- Diclofenac Sodium Delayed Release 75 mg
- Fluoxetine Hydrochloride 20 mg
- Fluoxetine Hydrochloride 20 mg
- Gabapentin 300 mg
- Gabapentin 300 mg
- Hydroxyzine Pamoate 25 mg
- Omeprazole Delayed-Release 40 mg
- Pantoprazole Sodium Delayed Release 40 mg
- Pantoprazole Sodium Delayed-Release 40 mg
- Pantoprazole Sodium Delayed-Release 40 mg
- Tamsulosin Hydrochloride 0.4 mg
References
- Anon. Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Shellac. Journal of the American College of Toxicology. 1986;5:309-27.
- Das S, Jacob SE. Dermatitis. 2011; 22:220-2.
Further information
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