Klin Farmakol Farm. 2024;38(3):112-117 | DOI: 10.36290/far.2024.018

Biological effects of excipients used in intravenously administered drugs

Jitka Rychlíčková^{1, 2}, Lenka Součková^{1, 2}

¹ Farmakologický ústav, Lékařská fakulta, Masarykova univerzita, Brno

² Fakultní nemocnice u sv. Anny v Brně

Medicinal products for intravenous administration often contain excipients, in addition to the pharmacologically active substance, that ensure the solubility, stability and correct pH of the drug. Excipients are assumed to be biologically inert, but this assumption is not always met. Some excipients may cause hypersensitivity reactions, organ toxicity, discomfort on administration or show own biological effects The regulatory framework for these substances varies according to their known effects, thus the quantitative content of these substances is not always compulsory to be specified. This article focuses on three frequently used excipients in intravenous drug dosage forms - propylene glycol, polysorbate 80 and sulfobutyl ether-β-cyclodextrin (SBECD). In this article, we discuss the pharmacological profiles of these agents, their potential toxicity, and options for preventing adverse effects, with an emphasis on their use in critically ill adults where intravenous drug administration is often the only option. This approach is essential to minimise the risks associated with the use of these excipients in critically ill.

Keywords: excipients, adverse reactions, propylene glycol, polysorbate 80, sulfobutyl ether-β-cyclodextrin.

Accepted: October 21, 2024; Published: November 18, 2024  Show citation