<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Here is the summary regarding my post about info for Pharmacies: Gluten in Medication Gluten is used in many medications as an excipient, so it is important for people with celiac disease to check with the manufacturer to be sure that each medication they take is gluten-free. Some patients may ask their pharmacist’s help in reading the list of ingredients or contacting the manufacturer. It’s also important for pharmacists to be aware that medications may not work as expected in people with undiagnosed celiac disease, due to problems with malabsorption. The problem: ■ There are currently NO requirements for labeling gluten or common allergens found in drug ingredients. ■ There are NO specific precautions for individuals with celiac disease in labeling. ■ Potential sources of gluten in medication excipients are NOT well-recognized by health professionals or patients. ■ Botanical source of starch may not be specified. ■ Generic formulations may include different excipients than the brand-name drug. Starches found in medications: Starch derivatives: ■ Dextrates (source not specified) ■ Dextrin (source not specified but usually corn or potato) Other excipients: ■ Dextrimaltose (when barley malt is used) ■ Caramel coloring (when barley malt is used) ■ Corn (most common) ■ Modified starch (source not specified) ■ Potato ■ Pregelatinized starch (source not specified) ■ Wheat ■ Tapioca ■ Pregelatinized modified starch (source not specified) Manufacturers Some drug manufacturers can advise a patient who contacts them about the gluten content of a particular medication. On the Web _www.glutenfreedrugs.com_ (http://www.glutenfreedrugs.com) (Maintained by a pharmacist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio) In Print A Guide through the Medicine Cabinet A book developed to give those who suffer with Celiac Disease the tools to choose medications and supplements that meet special dietary requirements. Literature Crowe, J. P., & Falini, N. P. (2001). Gluten in pharmaceutical products. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacists, 58, 396-401. Parrish, C. R. (2007). Medications and celiac disease: Tips from a pharmacist. Practical Gastroenterology. January, 58-64. Resources for more information about gluten in medications For the Pharmacist 7272 Wisconsin Ave. Bethesda, MD 20814 301-657-3000 _www.ashp.org_ (http://www.ashp.org) 224 South Maple Street, 2nd Floor Ambler, PA 19002 _www.celiaccentral.org_ (http://www.celiaccentral.org) Information provided by the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. *Support summarization of posts, reply to the SENDER not the CELIAC List* Archives are at: Http://Listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?LIST=CELIAC