Why are excipients added to medicines?

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Excipients are inactive ingredients added to a medicine to enable formulation, stability, and delivery. They help make a usable dosage form by aiding manufacturing (binders and fillers for tablet formation and flow), disintegration and dissolution so the drug is released properly, and release control through coatings or specialized matrices. They also protect the active ingredient from moisture, light, or heat to extend shelf life, and can improve taste, texture, and swallowability to boost patient adherence. Importantly, excipients do not increase the drug’s potency; they are chosen for compatibility and safety, and they must meet regulatory standards rather than bypass them.