Gum arabic suspending and stabilizing properties are employed to suspend insoluble drugs and to prevent the precipitation of heavy metals. Its emulsifying property is used for calamine, magnesia and kaolin suspensions and liquid petrolatum and cod liver emulsions.

Many cough drops and syrups utilize gum arabic because of its soothing action.
Gum arabic is used as an adhesive and binder for pharmaceutical tablets as well as in their coating.
Controls viscosity in syrups and lotions.