Silicon Dioxide
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on June 25, 2020.
What is it?
Silicon dioxide (SiO2), or silica, is known in nature as sand or quartz. It occurs naturally in the earth’s crust, and silicates are present in water, animals and plants. Silicates are also consumed as part of the natural human diet.
In the pharmaceutical industry, silicon dioxide (also known as colloidal silicon dioxide) has many uses in tablet-making, including as an anti-caking agent, adsorbent, disintegrant, or glidant to allow powder to flow freely when tablets are processed. These compounds appear to be biologically inert. Silicon dioxide is generally recognized as safe by the FDA.[1][2]
Top Medications with this excipient
- Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone Bitartrate 325 mg / 10 mg
- Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone Bitartrate 325 mg / 5 mg
- Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone Bitartrate 325 mg / 10 mg
- Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone Bitartrate 325 mg / 7.5 mg
- Acetaminophen and Oxycodone Hydrochloride 325 mg / 10 mg
- Acetaminophen and Oxycodone Hydrochloride 325 mg / 5 mg
- Acetaminophen and Oxycodone Hydrochloride 325 mg / 10 mg
- Acetaminophen and Oxycodone Hydrochloride 325 mg / 5 mg
- Alprazolam 1 mg
- Alprazolam 0.5 mg
- Alprazolam 2 mg
- Alprazolam 2 mg
- Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine 20 mg
- Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride 10 mg
- Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride 10 mg
- Oxycodone Hydrochloride 20 mg
- Oxycodone Hydrochloride 10 mg
- Percocet 325 mg / 10 mg
- Trazodone Hydrochloride 50 mg
- Xanax 2 mg
References
[1] [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
[2] FDA’s SCOGS database; Silicon dioxides, Report No. 61, 1979.; ID Code: 14808-60-7; http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/fcn/fcnDetailNavigation.cfm?rpt=scogsListing&id=276; accessed August 12, 2011.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.