What role do excipients play in drug formulation?

In drug formulation, excipients primarily serve as inactive substances that act as carriers for active ingredients. These excipients play a vital role in the production of pharmaceuticals by providing the necessary bulk, facilitating the manufacturing process, and enabling the effective delivery of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) to the body. They can help improve the solubility of the drug, aid in its absorption, and influence how the drug is released in the body, thus ensuring that the therapeutic effect of the API is achieved.

While it's true that excipients can also contribute to stability and shelf life, primarily their function is to carry and support the active ingredients. Additionally, some excipients may have preservative properties, but that is not their primary role in drug formulation. Therefore, identifying excipients as carriers clarifies their essential function in enhancing the overall effectiveness of medications.