Consumption of Phthalates Coated Pharmaceutical Tablets: An Unnoticed Threat

Phthalates are synthetic chemicals used in many products of both industrial and medical importance. Approximately three million metric tons of phthalates are produced worldwide annually and are used in various sectors. Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is one of the most commonly used plasticizers. Chemically, they are loosely attached to Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) based materials and with passage of time, leach to the surrounding environment. Phthalates are released from various sources and humans are exposed via, ingestion or inhalation. Different types of phthalates are used in the manufacture of coated and sustained releases drug formulations, as approved by FDA. Phthalates have been enlisted as Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) with proven toxicity on various hormone controlled functions. Currently, besides medical devices, over the counter and prescription drugs contain certain quantity of phthalate as excipient. In certain chronic diseases, treating patient with such drugs may be an additional direct exposure to phthalates toxicity. So, on the basis of gathered evidences there is a need to seriously consider this type of direct human exposure and prevent already suffering people from being chronically poisoned with phthalates.