Pharmaceuticals: antibiotics and vegetarians

Sir, as professionals, we take great care in establishing if patients have any previous drug allergies or sensitivities; however, less commonly reported is what comprises the capsules, and

the constituent elements of these medications. Though this information can be found in patient information leaflets, it is not common for patients to be actively aware of this, or to be

given a choice over the matter. For certain patients, to treat them without clarifying this threatens the notion of valid consent. We recently received a complaint from a patient, a

practising vegetarian patient, who was unhappy that we were unable to guarantee his antibiotic prescription would be free from animal products. The antibiotics themselves are usually either

derived from fungus, soil bacteria or are laboratory-synthesised, so generally are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. However, there is a general problem with capsules, as the majority of

them are made from gelatine, an animal product.1 Lactose is also used as a filler in tablets and capsules, and whilst this is acceptable to the majority of vegetarians, it is unacceptable to

vegans; consideration to those who are intolerant to lactose should also be given regarding this point. Often, tablets contain magnesium stearate as a lubricant during the tablet

processing, and this is also derived from animal sources. Liquids can eliminate most of these problems, but again, the exact ingredients must be confirmed, as some colourings can come from

crushed insects, for example cochineal. Where other prescriptions are concerned in mouth care, for example in xerostomia management, a variety of non-animal derived, vegetarian-friendly

alternatives exist; for example, AS Saliva Orthana contains porcine-derived mucin – however, vegetarian-friendly Xerotin may be used instead.2 If, therefore, our patients feel strongly

enough to opt for this, even when there is no ingestion of the medication, then is it not our duty to inform them that certain antibiotic prescriptions (which are swallowed and absorbed),

may not be aligned with their values? In some vegetarian patients who feel strongly about the consumption of animal-based products, regardless of the therapeutic value of medications, to

omit information which they would attach significance to – the animal-based ingredients of their antimicrobials – could be seen as breaching Montgomery consent.3 As practitioners, it is our

responsibility to take a holistic approach to care with our patients, which encompasses their beliefs and wishes. REFERENCES * Beddis H P . Pharmaceuticals: Animal ingredients. _Br Dent J_

2016; 220: 557. Article  Google Scholar  * Jawad H, Hodson N A, Nixon P J . A review of dental treatment of head and neck cancer patients, before, during and after radiotherapy: part 2. _Br

Dent J_ 2015; 218: 69–74. Article  Google Scholar  * D'Cruz L, Kaney H . Consent – a new era begins. _Br Dent J_ 2015; 219: 57–59. Article  Google Scholar  Download references AUTHOR

INFORMATION AUTHORS AND AFFILIATIONS * by email, D. J. Smith, R. A. Ratansi, E. Mann, J. Russell & A. Kanatas Authors * D. J. Smith View author publications You can also search for this

author inPubMed Google Scholar * R. A. Ratansi View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar * E. Mann View author publications You can also search for

this author inPubMed Google Scholar * J. Russell View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar * A. Kanatas View author publications You can also

search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS Reprints and permissions ABOUT THIS ARTICLE CITE THIS ARTICLE Smith, D., Ratansi, R., Mann, E. _et al._ Pharmaceuticals:

Antibiotics and vegetarians. _Br Dent J_ 221, 684 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2016.884 Download citation * Published: 09 December 2016 * Issue Date: 09 December 2016 * DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2016.884 SHARE THIS ARTICLE Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content: Get shareable link Sorry, a shareable link is not

currently available for this article. Copy to clipboard Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative