Preservatives used in Pharmaceuticals and impact on Health

Abstract

For several decades pharmacist have been aware of the need to protect their products against
microbial contamination but it is only during the last one or perhaps two decades the serious
thought of has been applied to the science of preservation. Preservatives are commonly used as
additives in pharmaceutical products, food and cosmetics. Some of the liquid preparations are
susceptible to microbial contamination because of the nature of ingredients present in it. Such
preparations are protected by preservatives which avoids degradation and alternation of the
product. A preservative is a natural or synthetic chemical added to various products which helps
to prevent microbial decomposition. Present article deals with the study of ideal properties,
classification, and mechanism of action, pharmaceuticals applications and its impacts on health
of various preservatives used in pharmaceuticals.