What it does
Sucralose is a low-calorie artificial sweetener used to provide sweetness without the calories of sugar.
Commonly used for: sugar substitute, weight management, diabetes management
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Source: Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-21 17:37:38 · updated 2026-09-29 04:33:03
About this medicine
Sucralose is a low-calorie artificial sweetener used to provide sweetness without the calories of sugar.
What it treats
- sugar substitute
- weight management
- diabetes management
How it works
Sucralose is made from sugar but is processed in such a way that your body does not absorb it, meaning it adds sweetness without calories.
Who it's for
It is suitable for people looking to reduce sugar intake, including those with diabetes or those trying to lose weight.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: sucralose
BNF-referencedSucralose is a non-caloric artificial sweetener derived from sucrose, commonly used as a sugar substitute in various food and beverage products. It is significantly sweeter than sugar, making it a popular choice for individuals seeking to reduce caloric intake without sacrificing sweetness. Sucralose is not metabolized by the body, thus it provides no calories when consumed.
Indications
- Caloric reduction in food and beverages
- Management of diabetes
- Weight management
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific guidelines on the use of sucralose in pediatric populations.
Adults: Sucralose is typically used in food and beverage products as a sweetener. There are no specific dosage recommendations for adults, as it is used according to taste preference and product formulation.
Mechanism of action
Sucralose acts as a positive allosteric modulator of the human sweet taste receptor. It interacts with the T1R taste receptor family, particularly enhancing the sweetness perception by binding to the hinge region of the receptor. This interaction induces a conformational change that stabilizes the active state of the receptor, increasing its responsiveness to sweet stimuli. This mechanism allows sucralose to mimic the taste of sugar without the associated caloric intake.
Pharmacodynamics
As a non-nutritive sweetener, sucralose does not undergo metabolic processing in the body, which means it does not contribute to energy intake. It provides intense sweetness at low concentrations, stimulating the sweetness receptors in the taste buds. The pharmacodynamic profile indicates minimal physiological effects beyond taste perception, making it suitable for dietary use without impacting blood glucose levels.
Pharmacokinetics
Sucralose is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, with an estimated absorption rate of less than 15%. The majority of ingested sucralose is excreted unchanged in the urine. The elimination half-life is not well defined due to its minimal absorption, but it is generally considered to have a rapid clearance from the body. The pharmacokinetic properties support its use as a safe alternative to sugar for those managing caloric intake.
Pregnancy
Sucralose is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider.
Breast-feeding
Sucralose is also considered safe during breastfeeding, although it is advisable to seek medical advice.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Formulations
- Granulated sucralose
- Liquid sucralose
- Tablets
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: sucralose
PubChem CID 71485Molecular formula: C12H19Cl3O8
Mechanism of action
Positive allosteric modulators of the human sweet taste receptor ...developed as a new way of reducing dietary sugar intake .../can be used as/ ...valuable tool molecules to study the general mechanism of positive allosteric modulations of T1R taste receptors. Using chimeric receptors, mutagenesis, and molecular modeling, .../the study/ reveal how ...sweet enhancers follow a similar mechanism as the natural umami taste enhancer molecules. Whereas the sweeteners bind to the hinge region and induce the closure of the Venus flytrap domain of T1R2, the enhancers bind close to the opening and further stabilize the closed and active conformation of the receptor.
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.