Focus on Cellulose ethers

Impact of Improper Use of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is a widely used water-soluble cellulose derivative with good solubility, film-forming properties, thickening properties, etc. It is widely used in medicine, food, cosmetics and building materials. However, if KimaCell®HPMC is not used correctly, it may cause some negative effects, especially in pharmaceutical preparations, food additives and industrial applications. Incorrect use will not only affect the quality and performance of the product, but may also cause harm to human health.

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1. Impact in pharmaceutical preparations

In pharmaceutical preparations, HPMC is usually used as a thickener, gelling agent or sustained-release agent, especially for tablets, capsules, oral solutions and topical drugs. However, if it is not used correctly, it will cause the following problems:

a. Poor sustained-release effect

HPMC often acts as a sustained-release agent in sustained-release drugs. Its sustained-release effect mainly depends on its swelling and dissolution process in water. If the amount of HPMC is too much or too little, the rate of drug release may be out of control, thereby affecting the efficacy. For example, excessive use of HPMC may cause the drug to release too slowly, resulting in insignificant therapeutic effects; conversely, too little use may cause the drug to release too quickly, increase side effects or reduce efficacy.

b. Poor dosage form stability

Inappropriate HPMC concentration may affect the stability of drug preparations. If the concentration is too high, the fluidity of the drug may deteriorate, affecting the tableting performance of the preparation, causing the tablets to break, deform or be difficult to press. If the concentration is too low, the expected thickening effect may not be achieved, resulting in uneven or incomplete dissolution of the drug, affecting the efficacy.

c. Allergic reaction

Although HPMC is generally considered safe, in some special cases, some patients may have allergic reactions to it, resulting in symptoms such as skin redness, swelling, and itching. If the amount of HPMC in the drug formula is too large, the risk of allergic reactions may increase.

2. Impact in food

In food, HPMC is usually used as a thickener, emulsifier and stabilizer. Excessive or improper use will lead to a decline in food quality and even affect human health.

a. Affecting the taste of food

When HPMC is used in food, if the amount added is too much, the food will become too viscous and affect the taste of the food. For some foods that need a refreshing taste, such as juice or soft drinks, using too much HPMC will make the texture too thick and lose its due refreshing feeling.

b. Digestive problems

As a kind of dietary fiber, KimaCell®HPMC’s expansion characteristics in the intestine may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, especially when consumed in large quantities. Long-term intake of too much HPMC may cause digestive system problems such as flatulence, constipation or diarrhea. Especially for people with weak intestinal function, too much HPMC may aggravate these problems.

c. Limited nutrient absorption

As a water-soluble fiber, HPMC is beneficial to intestinal health when consumed in moderation, but excessive use may cause obstacles to nutrient absorption. Too much dietary fiber may affect the intestinal absorption of certain minerals and vitamins, especially minerals such as calcium and iron. Therefore, when adding HPMC to food, its amount needs to be strictly controlled to avoid excessive use.

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3. Impact in cosmetics

In cosmetics, HPMC is mainly used as a thickener, stabilizer and emulsifier. Improper use may have an adverse effect on the effect of the product.

a. Poor product texture

If HPMC is used excessively, the cosmetics may become too viscous, difficult to apply, and even affect the user’s experience. On the contrary, using too little may not provide sufficient viscosity, causing products such as lotions to easily stratify, affecting stability and usage experience.

b. Skin irritation

Although HPMC is generally considered safe, for people with sensitive skin, excessive use may cause some irritation reactions, such as dry skin, tightness or redness, especially in products such as facial masks that have long-term contact with the skin.

4. Impact in building materials

In the construction field, HPMC is mainly used as a thickener, water retainer, and additive to improve construction performance. If HPMC is not used correctly, the following problems may occur:

a. Deterioration of construction performance

HPMC plays a role in improving construction performance in building materials such as cement slurry and mortar, such as improving its operability and fluidity. If used in excess, the mixture may become too viscous, resulting in construction difficulties and low construction efficiency; if used in insufficient amounts, the construction properties may not be improved, affecting the construction quality.

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b. Impact on material strength

The addition of KimaCell®HPMC can improve the strength and adhesion of building materials, but if used improperly, it may affect the final hardening effect. If the amount of HPMC is too large, it may affect the hydration reaction of cement slurry, resulting in reduced strength of the material, thus affecting the safety and durability of the building. 

Although hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is widely used in many industries and has many excellent properties, incorrect use will have a negative impact on product quality, human health and use effects. Therefore, when using HPMC, it should be strictly followed in accordance with the standard and recommended dosage, avoiding excessive or improper use to ensure its best effect and avoid adverse consequences.


Post time: Jan-27-2025
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