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
- Actoplus Met XR 1000 mg / 15 mg
- Azulfidine EN-tabs 500 mg
- Cardura XL 4 mg
- Glipizide Extended Release 5 mg
- Glucotrol XL 2.5 mg
- Glucotrol XL 2.5 mg
- Imodium A-D 2 mg
- Lo/Ovral-28 ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg / norgestrel 0.3 mg
- Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release 18 mg
- Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release 36 mg
- Nifedipine ER 30 mg
- Nifedipine Extended Release 60 mg
- Nifedipine Extended-Release 60 mg
- Sudafed 24 Hour 240 mg
- Topamax (Sprinkle) 25 mg
- Topiramate (Sprinkle) 25 mg
- Tramadol Hydrochloride Extended-Release 100 mg
- Tramadol Hydrochloride Extended-Release 200 mg
- Tramadol Hydrochloride Extended-Release 300 mg
- Tylenol Junior Meltaway 160 mg
