Focus on Cellulose ethers

Application of pharmaceutical excipient hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in preparations

hydroxypropyl methylcellulose(HPMC) is a water-soluble cellulose derivative widely used in pharmaceutical preparations, especially in oral solid preparations, oral liquid preparations and ophthalmic preparations. As an important pharmaceutical excipient, KimaCell®HPMC has multiple functions, such as adhesive, thickener, sustained-release control agent, gelling agent, etc. In pharmaceutical preparations, HPMC can not only improve the physical properties of drugs, but also enhance the efficacy of drugs, so it occupies an important position in the development of preparations.

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Properties of HPMC

HPMC is a water-soluble or solvent-soluble cellulose ether obtained by replacing part of the hydroxyl groups in cellulose molecules with methyl and hydroxypropyl groups. It has good solubility and viscosity in water, and the solution is transparent or slightly turbid. HPMC has good stability to factors such as environmental pH and temperature changes, so it is widely used in drug preparation.

HPMC has good biodegradability in the gastrointestinal tract, good biocompatibility and non-toxicity, and its preparations are not easy to cause allergic reactions, which makes it safer to use in pharmaceutical preparations.

Main applications of HPMC in pharmaceutical preparations

Application in sustained-release preparations

HPMC is widely used in sustained-release preparations, especially in oral solid preparations. HPMC can control the release rate of drugs through the gel network structure it forms. In water-soluble drugs, HPMC as a sustained-release agent can delay the release rate of drugs, thereby prolonging the duration of drug efficacy, reducing the number of dosing times, and improving patient compliance.

The application principle of HPMC in sustained-release preparations is based on its solubility and swelling properties in water. When tablets or capsules enter the gastrointestinal tract, HPMC comes into contact with water, absorbs water and swells to form a gel layer, which can slow down the dissolution and release of drugs. The release rate of drugs can be adjusted according to the type of HPMC (such as different degrees of substitution of hydroxypropyl and methyl groups) and its concentration.

Binders and film-forming agents

In solid preparations such as tablets, capsules, and granules, HPMC as a binder can improve the hardness and integrity of the preparations. The bonding effect of HPMC in the preparation can not only make the drug particles or powders bond to each other, but also increase the stability of the preparation and its solubility in the body.

As a film-forming agent, HPMC can form a uniform film and is often used for drug coating. During the coating process of the preparation, the KimaCell®HPMC film can not only protect the drug from the influence of the external environment, but also control the release rate of the drug. For example, in the preparation of enteric-coated tablets, HPMC as a coating material can prevent the drug from being released in the stomach and ensure the drug is released in the intestine.

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Gelling agent and thickener

HPMC is widely used in ophthalmic preparations and other liquid preparations as a gelling agent. In ophthalmic drugs, HPMC can be used as a gelling component in artificial tears to improve the retention time of the drug and the lubrication effect of the eye, and reduce the evaporation rate of eye drops. In addition, HPMC also has strong thickening properties, which can increase the viscosity of the preparation at a certain concentration, and is suitable for thickening various liquid preparations.

In oral liquid preparations, HPMC as a thickener can improve the stability of the preparation, prevent the precipitation and stratification of particles, and improve the taste and appearance.

Stabilizer for oral liquid preparations

HPMC can form a stable colloidal solution in liquid preparations, thereby enhancing the stability of the preparation. It can improve the solubility and uniformity of drugs in liquid preparations and prevent drug crystallization and precipitation. When preparing some easily decomposed and perishable drugs, the addition of HPMC can effectively extend the shelf life of the drugs.

As an emulsifier

HPMC can also be used as an emulsifier to stabilize the emulsion and disperse the drug when preparing emulsion-type drugs. By controlling the molecular weight and concentration of HPMC, the stability and rheological properties of the emulsion can be adjusted to make it suitable for different forms of drug preparations.

Application advantages of HPMC

High biocompatibility and safety: HPMC, as a natural cellulose derivative, has good biocompatibility, is non-toxic and non-irritating, and is therefore very suitable for use in drug preparations.

Release control function: HPMC can control the release rate of drugs through its gelling properties, prolong the efficacy of drugs, reduce the frequency of administration, and improve patient compliance.

Wide range of applications: HPMC can be used in a variety of dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, granules, and liquid preparations, meeting the needs of different drug preparations.

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Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose has important application value in drug preparations. It can not only be used as a sustained-release agent, adhesive, and film-forming agent, but also as a thickener and stabilizer in liquid preparations. Its excellent physical and chemical properties make it one of the indispensable excipients in the pharmaceutical industry, especially showing great potential in improving drug stability and controlling drug release rate. With the continuous advancement of pharmaceutical technology, the application prospects of KimaCell®HPMC will continue to expand, providing support for safer and more effective drug preparations.


Post time: Jan-27-2025
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