Definitions

Adjuvant: A substance added to a drug product formulation which affects the action of the active ingredient in a predictable way.  In immunology, a vehicle used to enhance antigenicity; eg a suspension of minerals on which antigen is adsorbed. Diluent:  Ingredient in a medicinal preparation which lacks pharmacological activity but is pharmaceutically necessary or desirable.  Excipient:  A substance in a vaccine other than the antigens, including adjuvants, preservatives, residual media,  as a diluent or vehicle or to give form or consistency when the remedy is given in pill form; eg simple syrup, aromatic powder, honey, etc.

This page was last updated on June 19, 2006 © 2006 Institute for Vaccine Safety