Based on NIH | Does aspirin contain rice starch as an inactive ingredient?

Aspirin and rice starch: what to know

Most over‑the‑counter aspirin products in the United States do not list rice starch as an inactive ingredient. Instead, they commonly use other starches (especially corn starch) and standard tablet excipients like microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide, stearic acid, and various coating agents. ^[1] Many low‑dose (81 mg) enteric‑coated aspirin labels specify “corn starch” and “pregelatinized starch” (which, when not otherwise specified, is typically derived from corn), not rice starch. ^[2] Multiple current aspirin entries likewise list corn starch among inactive ingredients and do not mention rice starch. ^{[3] [4] [5]} Aspirin monographs for different strengths and brands repeatedly show corn starch and not rice starch in the inactive ingredient lists. ^{[6] [7]}

Key takeaway

• Most aspirin products in official U.S. labeling list corn starch, not rice starch, as a tablet excipient. ^{[1] [2]}
• Several aspirin labels across manufacturers consistently omit rice starch from their inactive ingredients. ^{[3] [4] [5] [6] [7]}

Example inactive ingredient lists from official labels

• Aspirin 81 mg, enteric‑coated: corn starch, pregelatinized starch, microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal silicon dioxide, stearic acid, methacrylic acid–ethyl acrylate copolymer, talc, titanium dioxide, triethyl citrate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium lauryl sulfate, hypromellose, triacetin; rice starch is not listed. ^[2]
• Aspirin EC products (other labels): microcrystalline cellulose, polysorbate 80, propylparaben, corn starch, stearic acid, talc, titanium dioxide, triethyl citrate; no rice starch listed. ^{[6] [7]}
• Regular/coated aspirin tablets: croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, mineral oil, titanium dioxide, corn starch; no rice starch listed. ^{[4] [5]}

Could any aspirin contain rice starch?

Formulations can vary by manufacturer and country, and excipient sourcing can change over time. While U.S. labels surveyed here do not list rice starch, manufacturers are allowed to use different, pharmacopeial‑grade starches, so a niche or non‑U.S. product could theoretically include rice starch. Checking the exact product’s Drug Facts label or contacting the manufacturer is the most reliable way to confirm for a specific bottle.

Practical advice if you avoid rice

• Read the Drug Facts label on your exact aspirin package; excipients must be listed under “Inactive ingredients.” Many U.S. aspirin products specify corn starch. ^{[1] [2]}
• If you need extra certainty (e.g., due to a rice allergy or dietary restriction), call the manufacturer listed on the label to verify excipient sources. Multiple aspirin labels provide manufacturer contact numbers for questions. ^{[8] [9]}
• Consider formulations that minimize starch content (e.g., soluble/effervescent forms) if appropriate for your use, but still confirm ingredients on the label.

Summary

Based on current official labeling reviewed, aspirin products commonly contain corn starch rather than rice starch, and rice starch is not listed among the inactive ingredients for these representative U.S. products. ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]}

Would you like me to look up the inactive ingredients for the exact brand and strength you’re using?