Hydroxypropylcellulose

Hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) is a derivative of cellulose and is a commonly used excipient in the pharmaceutical industry. It is a non-ionic, water-soluble polymer that can be used in a variety of pharmaceutical applications, including as a binder, coating agent, and film former.

Chemical Structure

Hydroxypropylcellulose is a cellulose ether derivative in which hydroxypropyl groups (-CH2CHOHCH3) are attached to the anhydroglucose units of the cellulose chain via ether linkages. The degree of substitution (DS) of hydroxypropyl groups can vary, which affects the properties of the HPC.

Properties

Hydroxypropylcellulose is a white to off-white, tasteless, odorless powder. It is soluble in water and many organic solvents, and forms a viscous, colloidal solution in water. The viscosity of the solution depends on the concentration and the molecular weight of the HPC. It has good film-forming properties and is resistant to enzymatic degradation.

Applications

In the pharmaceutical industry, hydroxypropylcellulose is used as a binder in tablet formulations, as a coating agent for tablets and granules, and as a film former in transdermal drug delivery systems. It can also be used as a thickening agent in liquid oral dosage forms, and as a stabilizer in emulsions and suspensions.

In addition to its use in pharmaceuticals, HPC is also used in the food industry as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier. It is also used in the production of cosmetics and personal care products.

Safety

Hydroxypropylcellulose is generally considered safe for use in pharmaceuticals and food products. It is non-toxic and non-irritating, and has been approved for use by regulatory authorities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

See Also

• Cellulose
• Excipient
• Pharmaceutical industry