See the DrugPatentWatch profile for Magnesium
What is magnesium stearate used for?
Magnesium stearate is a common excipient (inactive ingredient) used in many tablets, capsules, and other solid oral dosage forms. Its main role is to improve manufacturing flow and help prevent powders from sticking to equipment during tablet production.[1]
How does magnesium stearate work in tablets and capsules?
In manufacturing, magnesium stearate acts like a lubricant and flow aid. It helps:
- Reduce friction between powder particles and between powder and tablet presses, which improves how consistently the tablet can be formed.[1]
- Prevent sticking and help achieve smoother, more reliable compression during tableting.[1]
Does magnesium stearate have a therapeutic effect?
Magnesium stearate is not typically added for medical action. It is used to support drug product manufacturing performance and consistency rather than to treat a disease.[1]
Is magnesium stearate safe to use?
Magnesium stearate is widely used in pharmaceutical products as an excipient. Safety assessments and regulatory review depend on how it is used in specific drug products and formulations.[1]
Where else is magnesium stearate used outside pharmaceuticals?
Outside of medicines, magnesium stearate is also used as an ingredient in other industries as a lubricant and processing aid in materials like plastics and some food or personal-care formulations (depending on local regulations and permitted uses).
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnesium_stearate