Glossary term
Excipient: An excipient is a non-active ingredient used to help make a medicine stable, deliverable or measurable.
Why this term matters
Useful for patients with allergies, sensitivities or dietary questions.
UK medical cannabis context
More common in PILs and SmPCs than in basic patient web copy.
What not to assume
“Inactive” does not mean irrelevant; excipients can matter for tolerability or practical use.
Careful wording: Avoid claiming excipients never matter.
Related glossary terms
Related MCPH pages
Sources and review notes
This entry is educational vocabulary, not medical advice. Suitability, prescribing, product choice and monitoring belong with a qualified clinician or pharmacist.
- GMC information for doctors on CBPMs
- Technical chemistry / terminology review note. Used as terminology context only, not as standalone clinical guidance.