Hydroxyethyl Cellulose
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 29, 2025.
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is it?
Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) is a nonionic, water-soluble polymer. It is a white, free-flowing granular powder and is made by reacting ethylene oxide with alkali-cellulose. HEC has uses in the cosmetics and personal care industries as a gelling and thickening agent. In pharmaceuticals, cellulose has been used as an adsorbent, glidant, drug solvent, and suspending agent. It is one of the main components of the personal lubricant brand known as K-Y Jelly. It can also be found in household cleaning products.[1]
Some examples of medications containing Hydroxyethyl Cellulose
- Carbamazepine Extended-Release 400 mg
- Carbamazepine Extended-Release 100 mg
- Carbamazepine Extended-Release 200 mg
- Carvedilol 3.125 mg
- Carvedilol 12.5 mg
- Carvedilol 6.25 mg
- Carvedilol 25 mg
- Memantine Hydrochloride Extended-Release 21 mg
- Memantine Hydrochloride Extended-Release 14 mg
- Memantine Hydrochloride Extended-Release 7 mg
- Memantine Hydrochloride Extended-Release 28 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 02/17/2015
Further information
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