Titanium dioxide in medicines remains allowed

Titanium dioxide, a white coloring agent, is still permitted in medicines even though it has been banned in food due to possible DNA damage. It is found in tablets, capsules, and creams and is used in over 4,000 different medicines, mainly to coat capsules and tablets.

Common medicines with titanium dioxide

Many common medicines contain titanium dioxide, including those based on ibuprofen, paracetamol, and cetirizine. France was the first European country to ban titanium dioxide (E171) in food in 2020, and this ban was later adopted by the European Commission in January 2022, but it did not apply to medicines.

Health risks and legal action

Studies on animals and cell cultures suggest that titanium dioxide may increase the risk of immune, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases. The Avicenn association has gathered over thirty new scientific articles on these effects and filed a lawsuit in October 2025 to challenge the European Commission's decision to allow titanium dioxide in medicines. The association claims these studies were not considered by the European Commission or the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Use in medicines and how to identify it

Titanium dioxide is mainly used in capsules, soft capsules, and coated or film-coated tablets. It is not found in effervescent forms, which are in powder or liquid form. Creams and pastes may contain it, but these are not swallowed. Consumers should check the list of ingredients and excipients on the medicine leaflet to determine if titanium dioxide is present.

Finding alternatives to medicines with titanium dioxide

Consumers can look for alternatives without titanium dioxide using the public medicine database, focusing on the international non-proprietary name (DCI) of the medicine. The 60 millions of consumers organization has compiled a list of non-prescription medicines with titanium dioxide and their alternatives. However, this process is time-consuming and requires checking for equivalence in active ingredients, doses, and medical uses.

Consumer advice on using medicines with titanium dioxide

Consumers are advised not to stop their treatment, as the benefits of the medicine are proven, while the risks of titanium dioxide remain unproven. Studies on titanium dioxide use higher doses and short timeframes, and do not address long-term risks for people with chronic conditions. Consumers should also avoid rinsing medicines, opening them to remove coatings, or emptying capsules, especially if the medicine is labeled as "gastro-resistant."

Consulting healthcare professionals about titanium dioxide

Consumers concerned about titanium dioxide in their prescribed medicines should consult their doctor or pharmacist to find an equivalent medicine. If someone is sensitive to certain excipients, avoiding titanium dioxide may require choosing medicines with other substances that might not be suitable for the individual.