Hypromellose
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is Hypromellose?
Hypromellose, also commonly known as hydroxypropyl methycellulose (HPMC) is a coating agent and film-former used as an inactive ingredient in the pharmaceutical industry.[1] It has also been used as a rate-controlling polymer for sustained-release dose forms.
As a powder, hypromellose is off-white to beige and may be in granules. Hypromellose is considered an inert ingredient. It has a high viscosity and is often used in ophthalmic preparations as artificial tears for dry eyes.[2] In the US, it is available over-the-counter (OTC) in such products as Isopto Tears and Nature’s Tears.
[1] Dave RH. Overview of pharmaceutical excipients used in tablets and capsules. Drug Topics (online). Advanstar. 10/24/2008 http://drugtopics.modernmedicine.com/drugtopics/Top+News/Overview-of-pharmaceutical-excipients-used-in-tabl/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/561047. Accessed 08/19/2011
[2] Innovate Us. What is Hypromellose? http://www.innovateus.net/health/what-hypromellose. Accessed 08/19/2011
Top Medications Containing Hypromellose
- Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone Bitartrate 500 mg / 5 mg (Qualitest Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
- Acetaminophen and Propoxyphene Napsylate 650 mg / 100 mg (Teva Pharmaceuticals USA)
- Amitriptyline Hydrochloride 25 mg (Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
- Amitriptyline Hydrochloride 25 mg (Qualitest Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
- Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride 10 mg (Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
- Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride 10 mg (Qualitest Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
- Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride 10 mg (Watson Pharmaceuticals)
- Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride 10 mg (Teva Pharmaceuticals)
- Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride 5 mg (Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
- Hydroxyzine 25 mg (Glenmark Generics Inc.)
- Ibuprofen 800 mg (Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Inc.)
- Nabumetone 500 mg (Teva Pharmaceuticals USA)
- Naproxen Sodium 220 mg (Goldline Laboratories, Inc.)
- Promethazine Hydrochloride 25 mg (Qualitest Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
- Propacet 100 650 mg / 100 mg (Teva Pharmaceuticals USA)
- Sertraline Hydrochloride 50 mg (Greenstone Limited)
- Sertraline Hydrochloride 100 mg (Greenstone Limited)
- Tramadol Hydrochloride 50 mg (Teva Pharmaceuticals USA)
- Tramadol Hydrochloride 50 mg (Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
- Zolpidem Tartrate 10 mg (Vintage Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
