Crospovidone: a pharmaceutical filler found commonly in gastrointestinal pathology specimens

Several recent studies have investigated the presence of foreign material derived from pharmaceuticals in the gastrointestinal tract.1-3 Some of these, such as Kayexalate1 and sevelamer,2 can cause tissue damage, while others, including bile acid sequestrants,3 cannot. These are all active substances in their respective medication tablets and typically appear polygonal and crystalline microscopically. However, inert filler substances (used to increase tablet bulk and/or to improve drug absorption and solubility) can also be observed in gastrointestinal tract specimens. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.