Poisoning by pharmaceutical excipients

This code signifies an adverse reaction or toxic effect resulting from non-active ingredients found in pharmaceutical preparations. These excipients, such as binders, fillers, dyes, or preservatives, are typically inert but can cause poisoning in susceptible individuals or at high concentrations. The patient presents with symptoms directly attributable to these inactive components rather than the active drug substance.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states that the patient's poisoning or adverse effect is due to a pharmaceutical excipient. This typically occurs when the active drug is known not to be the cause, or the reaction is specific to an inactive component (e.g., allergic reaction to a specific dye in a medication). Supporting documentation should specify the excipient involved and the resulting clinical manifestations.

• Always sequence this code after the primary diagnosis indicating the nature of the poisoning or adverse effect.
• Do not use this code if the poisoning is due to the active pharmaceutical ingredient; instead, refer to codes for poisoning by specific drug classes.
• Ensure documentation differentiates between an excipient reaction and a general adverse effect of the drug itself.