The list of 400 drugs containing parabens, established by the daily Le World, includes various pharmaceutical specialties, sometimes used routinely or even daily. These include cosmetics for infants, creams such as Biafine, cough syrups (Clarix, Codotussyl, Drill, Hexapneumine, Humex, Pectosan, Rhinathiol), gastric dressings, toothpastes, cardiovascular drugs in the form of oral suspension, antibiotics (Josacine, Zinnat) or medical specialties against fever or pain.
Why are parabens in drugs?
Parabens are present in medicines, cosmetics and even food products because they prevent the development of fungi and microorganisms. In drugs, they are preservatives whose main objective is to prevent the degradation of the drug and the decrease in its effectiveness.
The problem is that many studies have shown that parabens can promote the development of cancer and penetrate the skin, while others have come to the conclusion that they are not very toxic to health. In short, to this day, parabens are the subject of many scientific debates in Europe. And on May 3, the deputies voted to ban the use of three categories of endocrine disruptors: parabens, phthalates and alkylphenols.
The French Agency for the Safety of Health Products (Afssaps) is currently carrying out a toxicology study on pharmaceutical specialties based on parabens. The results could be known before the end of 2011.
