Names and synonyms
USP NF Name
Hard fat
EP Name
Hard fat with additive
UNII Code (FDA)
Not applicable
Preferred Substance Name (FDA)
Fat, hard
Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients
Suppository bases, hard fat
Chemical description
Consists of mono-, di- and triglyceride esters of fatty acids (C10 to C18), the triester fraction being predominant and containing lecithine
Key characteristics
Product form
Pellets
Melting range (°C)
34 – 38
Hydroxyl value (mg KOH/g)
<10
Main functionalities
Facilitates dispersion of large concentrations of APIs. Recrystallizes rapidly.
Main formulation technologies
