Cellulose Powdered
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 1, 2025.
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.
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, or suspending agent among other uses. According to the Select Committee on GRAS Substances, cellulose is generally regarded as safe when used in normal quantities. [2][3][4]
Some examples of medications containing Cellulose Powdered
- Almotriptan Malate 12.5 mg
- Alprazolam 0.5 mg
- Alprazolam 2 mg
- Alprazolam 0.25 mg
- Alprazolam 1 mg
- Calcium Carbonate (Chewable) 500 mg
- Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride 5 mg
- Fexofenadine Hydrochloride 180 mg
- Ibuprofen and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride 200 mg / 30 mg
- Metronidazole 500 mg
- Metronidazole 250 mg
- Mucinex Allergy fexofenadine 180 mg
- Tylenol 8HR 650 mg
- Tylenol Arthritis Pain 650 mg
- Tylenol Extra Strength 500 mg
- Tylenol Extra Strength 500 mg
- Xanax 2 mg
- Xanax 0.5 mg
- Xanax 0.25 mg
- Xanax 1 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; Microcrystalline cellulose, Report No. 25, 1979.; ID Code: 9004-57-3; Accessed July 28, 2011.
- 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
- US Dept of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service. Cellulose processing. Executive Summary. Accessed 7/28/2011. http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5066975
Further information
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