Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 3, 2024.
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is it?
Carboxymethylcellulose sodium appears as white, fibrous, free-flowing powder, and is used commonly as an FDA-approved disintegrant in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Disintegrants facilitate the breakup of a tablet in the intestinal tract after oral administration. Without a disintegrant, tablets may not dissolve appropriately and may effect the amount of active ingredient absorbed, thereby decreasing effectiveness. [1]
Polymers of carboxymethylcellulose sodium are also the active ingredient in many over-the-counter dry-eye or "natural tears" products, such as Refresh Tears or TheraTears Lubricant Eye Drops.
According to the FDA Select Committee on GRAS food Substances, carboxymethylcellulose sodium is virtually unabsorbed. Carboxymethylcellulose sodium is generally regarded as safe when used in normal quantities. [2]
Some examples of medications containing Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium
- Diltzac diltazem hydrochloride ER 120 mg
- Entecavir 0.5 mg
- Escitalopram Oxalate 20 mg (base)
- Escitalopram Oxalate 10 mg (base)
- Ibuprofen 200 mg
- Ibuprofen 200 mg
- Mesalamine Delayed-Release 1.2 g
- Metaxalone 800 mg
- Metformin Hydrochloride Extended Release 500 mg
- Metformin Hydrochloride Extended Release 500 mg
- Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release 500 mg
- Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release 500 mg
- Metoprolol Succinate Extended-Release 25 mg
- Metoprolol Succinate Extended-Release 200 mg
- Metoprolol Succinate Extended-Release 100 mg
- Metoprolol Succinate Extended-Release 50 mg
- Phenylephrine Hydrochloride 10 mg
- Q-Pap 325 mg
- Q-Pap Extra Strength 500 mg
- Ropinirole Hydrochloride Extended-Release 8 mg
References
- [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
- FDA’s SCOGS database; corn starch, Report No. 977050-51-3, 1979.; ID Code: 72; http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/fcn/fcnDetailNavigation.cfm?rpt=scogsListing&id=72 Accessed October 17, 2011
Further information
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