Talc

Synonyms: Altalc; E553b; hydrous magnesium calcium silicate; hydrous magnesium silicate; Imperial; Luzenac Pharma; magnesium hydrogen metasilicate; Magsil Osmanthus; Magsil Star; powdered talc; purified French chalk; Purtalc; soapstone; steatite; Superiore; talcum

Description: Talc is a very fine, white to grayish-white, odorless, impalpable, unctuous, crystalline powder. It adheres readily to the skin and is soft to the touch and free from grittiness

Chemical Name: Talc

Anticaking agent; glidant; tablet and capsule diluent; tablet and capsule lubricant.

• Talc was once widely used in oral solid dosage formulations as a lubricant and diluent  although today it is less commonly used.

• However, it is widely used as a dissolution retardant in the development of controlled-release products.

Incompatible with quaternary ammonium compounds.

Talc is used mainly in tablet and capsule formulations. Talc is not absorbed systemically following oral ingestion and is therefore regarded as an essentially nontoxic material. However, intranasal or intravenous abuse of products containing talc can cause granulomas in body tissues, particularly the lungs. Contamination of wounds or body cavities with talc may also cause granulomas; therefore, it should not be used to dust surgical gloves. Inhalation of talc causes irritation and may cause severe respiratory distress in infants

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Talc is irritant if inhaled and prolonged excessive exposure may cause pneumoconiosis.

Bentonite; magnesium aluminum silicate; magnesium silicate; magnesium trisilicate.