Carmine
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 28, 2023.
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is it?
Carmine (cochineal extract from Dactylopius coccus costa) is a red colored dye extracted from insects native to South America and Mexico that live as parasites on cactus plants. Carmine has been used a coloring agent in food, cosmetics and textiles but has been associated with severe allergic reactions, including occupational asthma. This ingredient is listed in the PETA's Caring Consumer guide as a substance of animal origin. Carmine is on the FDA's listing of color additive exempt from certification, meaning certification of this color additive is not necessary for the protection of the public health as set forth by the FDA restrictions.
List of medications using Carmine
- Azithromycin Monohydrate 250 mg
- Azithromycin Monohydrate 500 mg
- Fusion Plus Vitamin B Complex with C, Folic Acid, Iron and Probiotics
- Nexium 24HR ClearMinis 20 mg
- Orilissa 150 mg
- Orkambi ivacaftor 125 mg / lumacaftor 200 mg
- Orkambi ivacaftor 125 mg / lumacaftor 100 mg
- Rydapt 25 mg
- Tums Chewy Bites calcium carbonate 750 mg
References
- Environmental Working Group. Carmine. Accessed 1/14/2014. http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/701120/CARMINE/#
- National Library of Medicine. Haz-Map. Butylated hydroxytoluene. Accessed 1/14/2014. http://hazmap.nlm.nih.gov/category-details?id=13066&table=copytblagents
- Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Volume 1, Revised as of April 1, 2013; CITE: 21CFR73.100. Cochineal extract; carmine. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfCFR/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=73.100
Further information
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