Ethylcellulose (10 MPa.s)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 7, 2022.
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is it?
Ethylcellulose is a free-flowing, white to light tan powder used in the pharmaceutical and food manufacturing industries. It is prepared from wood pulp or cotton by treatment with alkali and ethylation of the alkali cellulose with ethyl chloride. Ethylcellulose is used in pharmaceutical industry as a coating agent, flavoring fixative, tablet binder and filler, and as a viscosity-increasing agent. Ethyl cellulose is also used in the food industry as an emulsifier.[1] [2]
There is very limited data detailing possible side effects of ethylcellulose; however it is included in the FDA generally regarded as safe (GRAS) Database of Substances (SCOGS) Reviews.[3]
Top Medications with this Excipient
- Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium 500 mg / 125 mg
- Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium 250 mg / 125 mg
- Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Extended-Release 15 mg
- Diltiazem Hydrochloride Extended-Release 360 mg
- Diltiazem Hydrochloride Extended-Release 120 mg
- InnoPran XL 80 mg
- Mesalamine Extended-Release 0.375 g
- Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release 18 mg
- Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release 36 mg
- Metoprolol Succinate Extended-Release 50 mg
- Metoprolol Succinate Extended-Release 25 mg
- Metoprolol Succinate Extended-Release 100 mg
- Oscimin hyoscyamine sulfate extended release 0.375 mg
- Potassium Chloride Extended-Release 10 mEq (750 mg)
- Propranolol Hydrochloride Extended-Release 80 mg
- Taztia XT 240 mg
- Topiramate Extended-Release 100 mg
- Topiramate Extended-Release 25 mg
- Topiramate Extended-Release 150 mg
- Tramadol Hydrochloride Extended-Release 300 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
[2] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United States. Prepared at the 26th JECFA (1982), published in FNP 25 ( 1982) and FNP. 52 (1992). Accessed March 31, 2012. Ethylcellulose. http://www.fao.org/ag/agn/jecfa-additives/specs/Monograph1/Additive-178.pdf
[3] FDA’s SCOGS database; Ethylcellulose; SCOGS-Report Number: 25; http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/fcn/fcnDetailNavigation.cfm?rpt=scogsListing&id=365 Accessed March 31, http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/fcn/fcnDetailNavigation.cfm?rpt=scogsListing&id=119
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.