The antimicrobials include chlorobutanol, benzyl alcohol, sodium benzoate, sorbic acid, and phenol. The antioxidizing agents include butylated hydroxytolune, hydroxyanisole, propyl gallate, and sulfites. Subsequently, both FDA and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended discontinuing its use for infants wherever possible. They can mask bad taste and allow pills to be swallowed easily. Typical pill coatings include zein, shellac, or sugars.
Flavors are both natural and synthetic amendments to improve drug palatability.
This is especially necessary for children and for chronic illnesses in which medication compliance is critical. Such nondisclosure can cause difficulties in identifying often-used potential allergens such as menthol, lemon oil, and peppermint oil. Printing inks are biologically safe dyes used for printing information or company logos on the surface of tablets or capsules. Some materials, such as microcrystalline cellulose, can act simultaneously as a filler, binder, and disintegrant. Elixir of sulfanilamide contained diethylene glycol, a highly toxic component of some modern antifreezes, in combination with the active sulfa drug.