Hydroxypropyl Cellulose
Medically reviewed on September 12, 2018
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is it?
Hydroxypropyl cellulose is a derivative of cellulose. It is used in the industry as an excipient and as an ophthalmic ingredient to treat dry eye disease and irritation caused by insufficient tears. As an ophthalmic agent, it acts to stabilize and thicken tears and prolongs the tear film breakup time which is usually accelerated in patients with dry eye states. A brand name product that contains hydroxypropyl cellulose is Lacrisert from Bausch & Lomb.
Hydroxypropyl cellulose is also used as an excipient (defined as substances other than the active ingredient included in the finished pharmaceutical product dosage form). According to Drug Topics, hydroxypropyl cellulose can be used as a tablet binder, thickening agent, viscosity-increasing agent, coating agent and film former in the pharmaceutical industry.[1][2]
[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 2/10/2017
[2] Drugs.com Lacrisert Insert. Product Monograph. Accessed 2/10/2017 at https://www.drugs.com/cdi/lacrisert-insert.html
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
- Amitriptyline Hydrochloride 25 mg
- Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium 875 mg / 125 mg
- Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine Extended Release 30 mg
- Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine Extended Release 20 mg
- Budeprion XL 150 mg
- Carisoprodol 350 mg
- Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride 10 mg
- Hydroxyzine Pamoate 50 mg
- Hydroxyzine Pamoate 25 mg
- Mirtazapine 15 mg
- OxyContin 10 mg
- OxyContin 80 mg
- Promethazine Hydrochloride 25 mg
- Sertraline Hydrochloride 100 mg
- Sertraline Hydrochloride 50 mg
- Sertraline Hydrochloride 100 mg
- Sertraline Hydrochloride 50 mg
- Sertraline Hydrochloride 50 mg
- Sertraline Hydrochloride 100 mg
- Zolpidem Tartrate 10 mg
