Cellulose Acetate
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is it?
Cellulose (C6H10O5)n is refined wood pulp. It is a white, free-flowing powder. Chemically, it is an inert substance, is not degraded during digestion and has no appreciable absorption. In large quantities it provides dietary bulk and may lead to a laxative effect.
Microcrystalline cellulose is a commonly used excipient in the pharmaceutical industry. It has excellent compressibility properties and is used in solid dose forms, such as tablets. Tablets can be formed that are hard, but dissolve quickly. Microcrystalline cellulose is the same as cellulose, except that it meets USP standards.[1]
It is also found in many processed food products, and may be used as an anti-caking agent, stabilizer, texture modifier, packaging component, or suspending agent among other uses. According to the Select Committee on GRAS Substances, cellulose acetate is generally regarded as safe when used in normal quantities. [2][3][4]
[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] FDA’s SCOGS database; Microcrystalline cellulose, Report No. 25, 1979.; ID Code: 9004-57-3; Accessed July 28, 2011.
[3] Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. Corporate Document Repository. Compendium of Food Additive Specifications, Addendum 5. Microcrystalline cellulose. http://www.fao.org/docrep/W6355E/w6355e0l.htm Accessed July 28, 2011
[4] US Dept of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service. Cellulose processing. Executive Summary. Accessed 7/28/2011.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Top Medications with this excipient
- Allegra 30 mg
- Allegra 180 mg
- Cardura XL 4 mg
- Covera-HS 240 mg
- Glipizide Extended Release 5 mg
- Glucotrol XL 5 mg
- Glucotrol XL 10 mg
- Levetiracetam Extended Release 750 mg
- Lo/Ovral-28 ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg / norgestrel 0.3 mg
- Lo/Ovral-28 ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg / norgestrel 0.3 mg
- Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release 36 mg
- Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release 18 mg
- Nifedipine Extended Release 60 mg
- Nifedipine Extended Release 90 mg
- Oxybutynin Chloride Extended-Release 5 mg
- Procardia XL 60 mg
- Sudafed 24 Hour 240 mg
- Topamax (Sprinkle) 25 mg
- Topiramate (Sprinkle) 15 mg
- Tylenol Junior Meltaway 160 mg
