title: Additives contained in drug formulations most frequently prescribed in Switzerland.
abstract: The presence of substances known to induce pseudoallergic reactions was investigated by means of a questionnaire to the manufacturers of 1,467 frequently administered formulations. Benzoates were found in 15% of the formulations, sorbates in 5.5%, sulfites in 3.8%, and benzalkonium in 3.0%. The occurrence of the seven artificial colours studied was as follows: indigotin 7.8, erythrosine 7.4, sunset yellow 6.6, tartrazine 4.9, quinoline yellow 2.8%, ponceau (new coccine) 2.6, and amaranth 1.7%. A significant risk of exposure to preservatives and dyes likely to induce asthma, urticaria, or other pseudoallergic reactions exists for all individuals taking commercial drug products.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kolly
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pécoud
authors.forename: P C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Frei
mesh_terms: D001565:Benzoates; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D004396:Coloring Agents; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical; D013011:Sorbic Acid; D013447:Sulfites; D013557:Switzerland; D013645:Tartrazine
chemical_list: D001565:Benzoates; D004396:Coloring Agents; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical; D013447:Sulfites; D013645:Tartrazine; D013011:Sorbic Acid