Ferric Oxide

Ferric Oxide (Red / Yellow / Black) in Medications

Ferric Oxide (Red / Yellow / Black): A Common Pharmaceutical Ingredient
Ferric oxide is used in medications as a colorant. It does not treat medical conditions, but it plays an important role in tablet identification and photoprotection.


What Is Ferric Oxide (Red / Yellow / Black)?

Ferric oxide refers to iron oxides in red, yellow, or black forms. In pharmaceuticals, they are synthetic pigments for coatings. It may appear under several ingredient names on medication labels.


Why Is Ferric Oxide Used in Medications?

Ferric oxide is used because it:

  • Provides coloring for easy identification
  • Offers opacity and light protection
  • Improves appearance of coated tablets
  • Supports consistent product aesthetics

These properties make it useful in both prescription and over-the-counter products.


Ingredient Names to Look For

Ferric oxide may be listed as:

  • Ferric oxide red/yellow/black
  • Iron oxide red/yellow/black
  • Fe2O3 (or hydrated forms)

Where Does Ferric Oxide Appear?

It is commonly found in:

  • Tablet coatings
  • Capsule shells
  • Printed tablets
  • Combination products

How to Check a Medication’s Ingredient List

Ingredient lists can vary by manufacturer and dosage form.
Use PillParser to scan a medication and view its ingredient list.





Adding the manufacturer filters generics (fillers/dyes often differ).

To keep PillParser free, anonymous scans are limited.


Understanding ingredient differences is especially important for individuals with known sensitivities. RxAllergyScan.com allows users to compare medication ingredients against their personal allergen profile.


Educational Note

This page provides educational information only and does not make medical claims.

Polyethylene Oxide in Medications

Polyethylene Oxide: A Common Pharmaceutical Ingredient
Polyethylene oxide is used in medications as a controlled-release polymer. It does not treat medical conditions, but it plays an important role in extended-release tablet matrices.


What Is Polyethylene Oxide?

Polyethylene oxide (PEO) is a high-molecular-weight hydrophilic polymer. In pharmaceuticals, it swells in water for controlled drug release. It may appear under several ingredient names on medication labels.


Why Is Polyethylene Oxide Used in Medications?

Polyethylene oxide is used because it:

  • Forms swellable matrices for sustained release
  • Controls drug release via erosion and diffusion
  • Supports hydrophilic matrix systems
  • Improves formulation consistency

These properties make it useful in both prescription and over-the-counter products.


Ingredient Names to Look For

Polyethylene oxide may be listed as:

  • Polyethylene oxide
  • PEO
  • Polyox

Where Does Polyethylene Oxide Appear?

It is commonly found in:

  • Extended-release tablets
  • Matrix formulations
  • Oral controlled-release products
  • Combination products

How to Check a Medication’s Ingredient List

Ingredient lists can vary by manufacturer and dosage form.
Use PillParser to scan a medication and view its ingredient list.





Adding the manufacturer filters generics (fillers/dyes often differ).

To keep PillParser free, anonymous scans are limited.


Understanding ingredient differences is especially important for individuals with known sensitivities. RxAllergyScan.com allows users to compare medication ingredients against their personal allergen profile.


Educational Note

This page provides educational information only and does not make medical claims.