Sorbic Acid
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 25, 2023.
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is it?
Sorbic acid (C6H8O2) is a natural preservative that comes from the rowan berries, Sorbus aucuparia (family Rosaceae). It is also prepared synthetically. It inhibits growth of fungi, yeast, mold and some bacteria and is nearly nontoxic to humans. Sorbic acid is safe to use in a wide range of foods, drugs, and cosmetic products. Sorbic acid and its salts, sodium sorbate, potassium sorbate and calcium sorbate are often used in food products as preservatives.
Some examples of medications containing Sorbic Acid
- Alka-Seltzer Heartburn + Gas ReliefChews Tropical Punch calcium carbonate 750 mg / simethicone 80 mg
- Biaxin 500 mg
- Biaxin XL 500 mg
- Clarithromycin 250 mg
- Clarithromycin 500 mg
- Clarithromycin 500 mg
- Cortef 10 mg
- Cortef 5 mg
- Cortef 20 mg
- Erythrocin Stearate Filmtab 250 mg
- Erythromycin 500 mg (base)
- Erythromycin 250 mg
- Hydrocortisone 10 mg
- Hydrocortisone 5 mg
- Medroxyprogesterone Acetate 10 mg
- Methylprednisolone 4 mg
- Prenatal Plus Prenatal Vitamin with Iron Fumarate
- Prenatal Plus Low Iron
- Provera 10 mg
- Tums Chewy Bites calcium carbonate 750 mg
References
- FDA. Database of Select Committee on GRAS Substances (SCOGS) Reviews. Accessed March 3, 2015 at http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/fcn/fcnDetailNavigation.cfm?rpt=scogslisting&id=324
- Drugs.com Sorbic acid. Accessed March 3, 2015 at http://www.drugs.com/dict/sorbic-acid.html
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.