What is Talc?
In pharmaceuticals, talc is used as a filler or excipient in certain medications. An excipient is a substance added to a medication to help preserve its stability, improve its texture or consistency, or assist with the manufacturing process.
Talc is used in some oral and parenteral medications, including tablets, capsules, and suspensions. In these applications, talc helps to absorb excess moisture, prevent clumping of the active ingredients, and improve the flow of the powder during the manufacturing process.
It is important to note that talc may also have potential health risks associated with its use in pharmaceuticals. Some studies have suggested that talc can cause lung problems when inhaled, and there are concerns about its potential to cause ovarian cancer when used in products applied to the genital area.
As a result, some pharmaceutical companies have started to use alternative excipients in their products, and the use of talc in certain medications has been restricted or banned in some countries.