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tannic acid

Astringent

Astringent
CDSCO approved
EXCRETION
not curated
INTERACTIONS
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
not curated

Mechanism

Tannic acid precipitates proteins, toughening the surface layer of skin or mucosa and decreasing exudation. It denatures proteins, forming protein tannate.

Indications

Bleeding gums (as glycerine of tannic acid)Bleeding piles (as suppository)Alkaloidal poisoning (precipitates ingested alkaloids)

Contraindications

  • Burns (due to risk of bacterial growth under crust and systemic absorption causing centrilobular necrosis of the liver)

Related guidelines

Other Unclassified drugs

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Sources: KD Tripathi 7e·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team