HPMC's solubility characteristics allow it to be used in various applications, including
HPMC is a non-ionic cellulose ether produced from natural cellulose. Through a series of chemical modifications, cellulose is altered to introduce hydroxypropyl and methoxy groups, which enhance its solubility in water and its functional properties. HPMC is primarily known for its thickening, emulsifying, and film-forming abilities, making it an essential ingredient in many formulations.
In tablet formulations, HPMC serves multiple functions. It acts as a binder, ensuring the cohesion of granules during compression, which is crucial for maintaining tablet integrity. Additionally, HPMC can function as a disintegrant, promoting the breakdown of tablets in the gastrointestinal tract and thereby enhancing drug absorption. When used in controlled-release tablets, HPMC creates a gel-like barrier around the drug, allowing for a slow and continuous release of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) over time. This is particularly beneficial for drugs that require long-term therapeutic effects with minimal side effects.
hpmc formulation

- Safety Hydroxyethyl cellulose is generally recognized as safe when used accordingly and adheres to various regulatory standards.
When designing tablets for modified release, there are two main factors for consideration: formulation and process. There are sub-factors you should also consider when deciding on the formulation and the release profile for your final drug product.