What type of agents are carbohydrates such as lactose and sucrose classified as in compounding?

Carbohydrates like lactose and sucrose are classified as soluble diluents in compounding because they are used to increase the volume of a formulation while maintaining solubility. In pharmaceuticals, diluents help create a more manageable product, allowing for easier handling, formulation, and administration of medications, particularly in tablets and powders.

Lactose, for instance, is commonly utilized as a filler in tablet formulations due to its good solubility and compatibility with other ingredients. Similarly, sucrose can serve as a sweetening agent while also aiding in solubility and stability within a compound.

Understanding the role of soluble diluents is crucial because they can help to ensure that active ingredients are effectively delivered in the intended dosage form, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the medication. This function distinguishes them from other types of agents, such as wetting agents, emulsifying agents, and suspending agents, which serve different purposes in compounding formulas.