Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is a commonly used semi-synthetic polymer with good biocompatibility, non-toxicity and high viscosity. In the pharmaceutical field, HPMC is widely used in a variety of dosage forms, among which drops are one of its important uses. HPMC drops mainly refer to liquid preparations prepared with HPMC as the main film-forming agent or thickener. It has good adhesion, sustained release and stability, and is suitable for topical medication in various parts such as ophthalmology, otology, nasal cavity and oral cavity.
1. Basic characteristics of HPMC drops
HPMC is a non-ionic cellulose ether with the following advantages:
Strong thickening and adhesion: helps to increase the residence time of drugs on the surface of local tissues.
Good biocompatibility: non-irritating, does not cause allergic reactions, and is suitable for sensitive areas such as eyes.
Transparent and colorless, good pH stability: suitable for use as a drop carrier, does not affect vision and physiological functions.
Sustained release: can control the release rate of drugs and prolong the efficacy.
These characteristics make HPMC an ideal excipient in drop preparations, especially in situations where sustained release or lubrication is required.
2. Main uses of HPMC drops
2.1. Artificial tears/ophthalmic lubricants
This is one of the most common application scenarios for HPMC drops. Artificial tears are mainly used to relieve dry eyes, eye fatigue, discomfort caused by long-term contact lens wear, and other problems. HPMC plays the following main roles in eye drops:
Simulating natural tears: HPMC has excellent water retention and lubricity, can effectively simulate the function of natural tears, and relieve dry eyes.
Increasing drug adhesion time: By forming a thin film, the retention time of the drug on the ocular surface is enhanced, and the efficacy is improved.
Assisting other ingredients: It is often used with lubricants such as PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) and PEG (polyethylene glycol) to enhance the feeling of use.
Common products such as "hydroxypropyl methylcellulose eye drops" and "Runjie artificial tears" all contain HPMC ingredients.
2.2. Thickener for ophthalmic therapeutic eye drops
HPMC can not only be used as a lubricant, but is also often used in therapeutic eye drops, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, glaucoma drugs, etc., to:
Enhance drug stability;
Slow down drug clearance;
Reduce dosing frequency and improve patient compliance.
For example, HPMC is sometimes added to levofloxacin eye drops used to treat conjunctivitis to prolong the drug's action time in the conjunctival sac.
2.3. Otolaryngology drops
In nasal drops and ear drops, HPMC is often used as a thickener or sustained-release matrix for the following situations:
Auricular anti-infective drops: HPMC helps the drug stay in the ear canal and enhances the local bactericidal effect.
Ninitis drops: The sustained release property allows anti-inflammatory or anti-allergic drugs to have a more lasting effect and reduces drug loss caused by nasal flushing.
2.4. Oral mucosal drops
In the treatment of oral ulcers or mucositis, some drugs are made into drops so that they can be directly dropped on the lesion site. HPMC can provide adhesion and sustained release, allowing the drug to act better on the affected area.
3. Advantages of dosage form design of HPMC drops
HPMC is not only a thickener in the drop formula, but also a key functional carrier. Its advantages are reflected in:
High safety: not absorbed by the human body, no systemic toxicity, suitable for long-term use.
Improve patient experience: no irritation, comfortable to use, especially suitable for sensitive patients such as infants and the elderly.
Good compatibility: can coexist with a variety of active ingredients, not easy to cause degradation reactions.
Easy to prepare and store: HPMC drops have good stability and transparency at room temperature and are easy to industrialize.
4. Market prospects and development trends
With the aging of the population, the frequent use of electronic products leading to an increase in dry eye problems, and the development of personalized medicine, the application scope of HPMC drops is expanding:
The ophthalmic market is expanding: the demand for dry eye, cataract postoperative care, eye anti-allergy treatment, etc. is increasing.
Innovation in formulation technology: Combined with nanocarriers, microemulsions, and sustained-release particles to improve the function of HPMC drops.
Popularization of OTC products: HPMC eye drops have been widely used in the over-the-counter market, such as daily eye care products.
HPMC drops have been widely used in many fields such as ophthalmology, ENT, and oral cavity due to their excellent adhesion, biocompatibility, and sustained-release properties. With the increasing requirements of modern medicine for drug administration comfort and drug efficacy control, the application of HPMC drops will continue to expand, and its importance as a drug excipient will become increasingly prominent. In the future, with the development of nanotechnology and targeted delivery technology, the role of HPMC in drops will not only be limited to carriers, but may also participate in more complex drug efficacy regulation systems, bringing a higher level of drug treatment experience.
Post time: Jul-17-2025