FD&C Blue No. 1
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 22, 2024.
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is it?
FDA has regulatory review for color additives used in foods, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices. FD&C Blue No. 1, also known as Brillant Blue FCF ("for coloring food"), is a water-soluble artificial blue dye allowed by the FDA for use in foods, drugs and cosmetics. FD&C Blue No. 1 is widely used in food products (candies, confections, beverages, etc.) and there have been no reports of toxicity associated with this general food use.
In September of 2003, the FDA issued a Public Health Advisory to alert healthcare providers of toxicity associated with the use of FD&C Blue No. 1 in enteral feeding solutions. Toxicity, including death, has been reported only in association with FD&C Blue No. 1 tinting of enteral feedings, intended as a means of visually detecting pulmonary aspiration, although causality has not been established.[1] [2]
Some examples of medications containing FD&C Blue No. 1
- Acetaminophen and Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride 500 mg / 25 mg
- Acetaminophen and Oxycodone Hydrochloride 325 mg / 5 mg
- Acetaminophen and Oxycodone Hydrochloride 325 mg / 5 mg
- Amoxicillin Trihydrate 500mg
- Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine 10 mg
- Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine 10 mg
- Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine Extended Release 20 mg
- Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine Extended Release 10 mg
- Cephalexin 500 mg
- Cephalexin Monohydrate 500 mg
- Cetirizine Hydrochloride 10 mg
- Clindamycin Hydrochloride 300 mg
- Clonazepam 1 mg
- Doxycycline Hyclate 100 mg
- Excedrin Migraine (Caplet) acetaminophen 250 mg / aspirin 250 mg / caffeine 65 mg
- Fluoxetine Hydrochloride 20 mg
- Fluoxetine Hydrochloride 20 mg
- Hydroxyzine Pamoate 25 mg
- Oxycodone Hydrochloride 30 mg
- Phentermine Hydrochloride 37.5 mg
References
- US Food and Drug Administration. Safety. FD&C Blue No. 1 (Blue 1) in enteral feeding solutions. Accessed 10/19/2011. http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm169530.htm
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Color Additives: FDA's Regulatory Process and Historical Perspectives. Accessed 10/20/2011. http://www.fda.gov/ForIndustry/ColorAdditives/RegulatoryProcessHistoricalPerspectives/default.htm
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.