Polysorbate 20
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 30, 2024.
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is it?
Polysorbates, C26H50O10, also known as tweens, are usually inert substances added to drug dose forms in order to provide suitable consistency to the dosage form. These include binders, matrix, base or diluent in pills, tablets, creams, salves, etc. They may also serve as agents that modify interfacial tension of water; usually substances that have one lipophilic and one hydrophilic group in the molecule; includes soaps, detergents, emulsifiers, dispersing and wetting agents, and several groups of antiseptics. Polysorbate may used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry in lotions, medical preparations (e.g., vitamin oils, vaccines, and intravenous preparations) and as an excipient in tablets.[1][2]
Some examples of medications containing Polysorbate 20
- Complera emtricitabine 200 mg, rilpivirine 25 mg and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg
- Excedrin Extra Strength (Tablet) 250 mg / 250 mg / 65 mg
- Excedrin Migraine (Caplet) acetaminophen 250 mg / aspirin 250 mg / caffeine 65 mg
- Excedrin Migraine (Geltab) acetaminophen 250 mg / aspirin 250 mg / caffeine 65 mg
- Excedrin PM acetaminophen 500 mg / diphenhydramine 38 mg
- Excedrin Tension Headache acetaminophen 500 mg / caffeine 65 mg
- Lansoprazole Delayed-Release 30 mg
- Methocarbamol 500 mg
- Methocarbamol 750 mg
- Metoprolol Tartrate 100 mg
- Metoprolol Tartrate 100 mg
- Metoprolol Tartrate 50 mg
- Metoprolol Tartrate 50 mg
- Metoprolol Tartrate 25 mg
- Nifedipine Extended Release 30 mg
- Odefsey emtricitabine 200 mg / rilpivirine 25 mg / tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg
- Robaxin 500 mg
- Spritam 500 mg
- VanaTab DM dextromethorphan hydrobromide 9 mg / guaifenesin 198 mg / phenylephrine hydrochloride 5 mg
- Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended Release 37.5 mg
References
- [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-in-tabl/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/561047. Accessed 08/19/2011
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.