sodium metabisulfite

Sodium metabisulfite is an inorganic compound with the formula Na2S2O5. It is widely used as an antioxidant and preservative in food and pharmaceutical products. In pharmaceuticals, it functions primarily as an excipient (inactive ingredient) to prevent oxidation of active ingredients and maintain product stability. Sodium metabisulfite also acts as an antimicrobial agent in some formulations. When dissolved in water it forms sodium bisulfite. It can cause allergic reactions—especially in individuals with asthma or sulfite sensitivity—and has been associated with symptoms such as wheezing and chest tightness; severe reactions like anaphylaxis have been reported rarely[1][4][7]. Its use extends beyond pharmaceuticals to food preservation and industrial applications such as bleaching textiles and paper[1][4].

Other names

sodium pyrosulfitedisodium metabisulfitedisodium pyrosulfitedisodium disulfitesodium pyrosulphitesodium bisulphitesodium disulphitepyrosulfurous acid disodium saltdisulfurous acid disodium salt