Hypromellose Phthalate
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 5, 2024.
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is it?
Hypromellose phthalate (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate, or HPMCP) is a phthalic acid ester of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. In the pharmaceutical industry, hypromellose phthalate is used as a coating agent for tablets and granules. It is a colorless, odorless white powder.[1]
Hypromellose phthalate was introduced in 1971 as a cellulose derivative for enteric coating. An enteric coating agent is used to protect drugs from degradation by gastric acid or to present them from causing side effects in the stomach. It is widely used as an enteric coating agent by the pharmaceutical industry. HPMCP has been admitted into the U.S. National Formulary (US/NF). HPMCP is also used in sustained-release preparations, in binders and as microcapsule bases.[1]
There has been some concern over the use of phthalates in medications, total exposure to phthalates, and possible toxicity, although specific research is lacking. The FDA is aware of the use of phthalates in pancreatic enzymes. Phthalates are included in its list of inactive ingredients for FDA-approved drugs.[2] Phthalates are known to be excreted in the urine, although data on accumulation is not known.
List of medications using Hypromellose Phthalate
- Aciphex 20 mg
- Altoprev 20 mg
- Aspirin (Enteric Coated) 81 mg
- Duloxetine Hydrochloride Delayed-Release 20 mg
- Duloxetine Hydrochloride Delayed-Release 60 mg
- Duloxetine Hydrochloride Delayed-Release 20 mg
- Duloxetine Hydrochloride Delayed-Release 30 mg
- Duloxetine Hydrochloride Delayed-Release 30 mg
- Duloxetine Hydrochloride Delayed-Release 60 mg
- Ery-Tab 333 mg
- Erythromycin 500 mg (base)
- Mycophenolic Acid Delayed-Release 360 mg
- Mycophenolic Acid Delayed-Release 180 mg
- Omeprazole Delayed Release 20 mg
- Omeprazole Delayed Release 40 mg
- Omeprazole Delayed Release 10 mg
- Propranolol Hydrochloride Extended-Release 60 mg
- Propranolol Hydrochloride Extended-Release 160 mg
- Propranolol Hydrochloride Extended-Release 80 mg
- Propranolol Hydrochloride Extended-Release 120 mg
References
- Shin-Etsu Chemical Co.,Ltd Cellulose & Pharmaceutical Excipients Department USP Hypromellose Phthalate Accessed March 31, 2012 http://www.metolose.ru/files/hpmcp.pdf
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. FAQs About Phthalates & Pancreatic Enzymes. Accessed March 31, 2012. http://www.cff.org/LivingWithCF/StayingHealthy/Diet/Phthalates/#What_is_the_U.S._Food_and_Drug_Administration_(FDA)_doing_about_phthalates_in_pancreatic_enzymes?
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
