Table 2.

Common animal-derived excipients found in medications

Ingredient	Source	Use
Gelatin	From the skin and bone of cattle and pigs	Capsules of medication and tablets, modified release preparations of some medications may be used to thicken liquids or as a coating agent for drug powder
Shellac	Resin secreted from the female lac bug	Binding powders/medications
Cochineal/carmine	Dye made from crushed insects	Colouring of capsules
Lactose	From milk: may be acceptable to vegetarians but not to vegans	Diluent for tablets/medications
Lanolin	From sheepskin/wool	Used as a lubricant, for producing cholecalciferol, in some lip/skin products
Magnesium stearate	May be derived from plants or bovine tallow	Used in production of some tablets / powders to aid delivery