Is it true that gabapentin contains rice or rice starch as an inactive ingredient?

Short Answer

Gabapentin does not typically contain rice or rice starch. Across multiple U.S. manufacturer labels, the common fillers are corn starch (also called maize starch), lactose, talc, and other standard excipients, not rice-derived ingredients. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

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What Inactive Ingredients Are Common in Gabapentin?

• Corn/maize starch: Many gabapentin capsule labels list corn starch (maize starch) as a primary filler/binder. ^{[1] [2] [4]}
• Lactose (milk sugar): Frequently included as a diluent in certain strengths and brands. ^{[2] [5]}
• Talc: Used as a glidant to help powder flow during manufacturing. ^{[1] [4]}
• Gelatin capsule shell: Hard gelatin capsules often include gelatin, sodium lauryl sulfate, and titanium dioxide; some strengths include iron oxides for color. ^{[1] [4]}
• Other excipients (vary by manufacturer): Some products use pregelatinized starch, magnesium stearate, croscarmellose sodium, mannitol, shellac-based printing inks, and colorants (FD&C/D&C lakes, iron oxides). ^{[6] [7] [8]}

None of these commonly listed excipients are rice or rice starch. Labels consistently specify “corn starch” or “maize starch,” which is derived from corn, not rice. ^{[1] [3]}

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Examples From Official U.S. Labels

• A widely distributed gabapentin capsule lists inactive ingredients: corn starch and talc, with capsule shell components (gelatin, sodium lauryl sulfate, titanium dioxide) and iron oxides for certain strengths. ^[1]
• Another label specifies corn starch, lactose monohydrate, and talc, plus standard capsule shell and colorants. ^{[2] [5]}
• Additional listings show pregelatinized maize starch, talc, and typical printing ink components; again, no rice-derived excipients. ^{[3] [9]}
• Multiple generic labels repeat the same pattern corn starch, talc, lactose, gelatin shell, and iron oxides without mention of rice starch. ^{[10] [4]}

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Why Excipient Lists Matter

If you’re avoiding rice due to allergy, intolerance, or religious/dietary reasons, checking the exact label for your specific manufacturer and strength is important because excipients can vary by brand and dose. The U.S. labels cited show corn/maize starch as the starch source, not rice. ^{[1] [2]}

For those with other sensitivities:

• Lactose: Some gabapentin capsules include lactose; if you are lactose intolerant, you may prefer versions that omit lactose. ^{[2] [5]}
• Dyes and shellac: Certain strengths include iron oxides and shellac-based inks, which may be relevant for dye sensitivities. ^{[1] [11]}

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Practical Tips

• Check the bottle’s manufacturer name and strength, then review that exact product’s label to confirm the excipients. ^{[1] [2]}
• Pharmacists can order a manufacturer that avoids a specific excipient (for example, lactose-free options) if available. ^[4]
• If you need a formulation without dyes or specific additives, ask about alternative manufacturers or dosage forms (such as tablets versus capsules) because excipient profiles differ. ^[12]

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Bottom Line

Based on U.S. manufacturer labels, gabapentin capsules generally contain corn (maize) starch not rice starch and do not list rice-derived excipients. If avoiding rice is important for you, the available labeling supports that most gabapentin products use corn/maize starch instead. ^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}