What does “Excipient” mean?

Any component of a medicine other than the active substance.

Excipient in plain English

Any component of a medicine other than the active substance.

Excipients include carriers, preservatives, flavourings and stabilisers. They are pharmacologically inactive by intention but are not always inert for a given patient.

Allergies and intolerances to excipients are a real, if uncommon, reason a particular preparation may not suit someone.

Frequently asked questions

What does excipient mean?

Any component of a medicine other than the active substance.

Sources and further reading

Every factual statement on this page is drawn from the following public sources. Links open in a new tab and are not affiliated with Flora House.

  1. NICE guideline NG144: Cannabis-based medicinal products
  2. NHS: Medical cannabis (and cannabis oils)
  3. MHRA: The supply, manufacture, importation and distribution of unlicensed cannabis-based products for medicinal use

Patient guide · Written by the Flora House editorial team · Last reviewed: 8 September 2026