Allergic reaction caused by Propylene-glycol

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wangyingjie0707
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Joined: Tue Aug 23, 2011 12:31 pm

Allergic reaction caused by Propylene-glycol

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Propylene-glycol is a colorless, nearly odorless, clear, viscous liquid with a faintly sweet taste, hygroscopic and miscible with water, acetone, and chloroform. It as a solvent in many pharmaceuticals, including oral, injectable and topical formulations. Notably, diazepam, which is insoluble in water, uses Propylene-glycol as its solvent in its clinical, injectable form. So we should know more safety information about Propylene-glycol.
Research has suggested that individuals who cannot tolerate Propylene-glycol probably experience a special form of irritation, but that they only rarely develop allergic contact dermatitis. Other investigators believe that the incidence of allergic contact dermatitis to Propylene-glycol may be greater than 2% in patients with eczema.
Patients with vulvodynia and interstitial cystitis may be especially sensitive to Propylene-glycol. Women struggling with yeast infections may also notice that some OTC creams can cause intense burning. Post menopausal women who require the use of an estrogen cream may notice that brand name creams made with Propylene-glycol often create extreme, uncomfortable burning along the vulva and perianal area. In these cases, patients can request that a local compounding pharmacy make a "Propylene-glycol free" cream.
Additionally, some electronic cigarette users who inhale Propylene-glycol vapor may experience dryness of the throat or shortness of breath . As an alternative, some suppliers will put Vegetable Glycerin in the "e-liquid" for those who are allergic (or have bad reactions) to Propylene-glycol.
A Swedish study published in 2010 strongly suggests a connection between airbourne concentrations of Propylene-glycol in houses and development of asthma and allergic reactions, such as rhinitis, in children.
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