Medications and the Gluten-Free Diet
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Published January, 2023
Staying gluten-free involves more than just dietary changes.While use of gluten as an ingredient in medications is uncommon, medications must also be evaluated for their gluten content. Many pharmaceuticals have an additional filler called an excipient, used to make a particular dosage form of the drug. These fillers are often made from corn, potato, or tapioca. However, some are derived from wheat or, rarely, barley. If you have doubts about the gluten-free status of a medication, it is important that you consult with your pharmacist and/or check with the manufacturer of the product.
The majority of drug manufacturers do not clearly label their products or packaging with information regarding the gluten content of their drug. Medications – whether prescription or over-the-counter – are not included in the FDA gluten-free labeling regulation which applies to FDA-regulated food products. The Gluten in Medicine Disclosure Act which was introduced in 2019 would require that gluten be labeled in all medications.
Find more information from the FDA on medications and gluten here: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/ensuring-safe-use-medicine/medications-and-gluten
Common Gluten-Free Pharmaceutical Excepients
- Acacia
- Alginic acid
- Alpha tocopheral
- Ascorbic acid
- Benzyl alcohol
- Calcium carbonate
- Carboxymethylcellulose
- Citric acid
- Corn starch
- Croscarmellose sodium
- Dextrose
- Docusate sodium
- Fructose
- Glucose
- Hydrogenated vegetable oil
- Hydroxypropyl cellulose
- Lactose
- Magnesium carbonate
- Magnesium stearate
- Matitol
- Maltose
- Mannitol
- Microcrystalline cellulose
- Polydextrose
- Povidone
- Propylene glycol
- Silicon dioxide
- Simethicone
- Sodium benzoate
- Sodium lauryl sulfate
- Sorbitol
- Stearic acid
- Sucrose
- Vanillin
- Xanthan gum
- Zinc stearate
Excipients which could be derived from wheat or barley
- Starch
- Pre-gelatinized starch
- Dextrimaltose
- Dextrin
- Dextrates
- Cyclodextrins
- Sodium starch glycolate
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This article has been assessed and approved by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.