Functional Category
Oleaginous vehicle; solvent
Applications in Pharmaceutical Formulation
Corn oil is used primarily in pharmaceutical formulations as a solvent for intramuscular injections or as a vehicle for topical preparations. Emulsions containing up to 67% corn oil are also used as oral nutritional supplements; see also Section 18. When combined with surfactants and gel-forming polymers, it is used to formulate veterinary vaccines. Corn oil has a long history of use as an edible oil and may be used in tablets or capsules for oral administration
Description
Clear, light yellow-colored, oily liquid with a faint characteristic odor and slightly nutty, sweet taste resembling cooked sweet corn
Stability and Storage Conditions
Corn oil is stable when protected with nitrogen in tightly sealed bottles. Prolonged exposure to air leads to thickening and rancidity. Corn oil may be sterilized by dry heat, maintaining it at 1508C for 1 hour.(1) Corn oil should be stored in an airtight, light-resistant container in a cool, dry place. Exposure to excessive heat should be avoided.
Incompatibilities
The photooxidation of corn oil is sensitized by cosmetic and druggrade samples of coated titanium oxide and zinc
Safety
Corn oil is generally regarded as a relatively nontoxic and nonirritant material with an extensive history of usage in food preparation.