Hydroxypropyl Cellulose
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 2, 2020.
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]
Top Medications with this excipient
- Aripiprazole 15 mg
- Carisoprodol 350 mg
- Gabapentin 600 mg
- Larin Fe 1/20 ethinyl estradiol 0.02 mg / norethindrone acetate 1 mg
- Loratadine and Pseudoephedrine Sulfate Extended Release 10 mg / 240 mg
- Losartan Potassium 25 mg
- Losartan Potassium 100 mg
- Losartan Potassium 50 mg
- Methocarbamol 500 mg
- Methocarbamol 750 mg
- Metoprolol Succinate Extended-Release 100 mg
- Metoprolol Succinate Extended-Release 50 mg
- Metoprolol Succinate Extended-Release 25 mg
- Metoprolol Succinate Extended-Release 50 mg
- Metoprolol Succinate Extended-Release 25 mg
- Montelukast Sodium 10 mg (base)
- Prempro 0.3 mg / 1.5 mg
- Sertraline Hydrochloride 50 mg
- Warfarin Sodium 2.5 mg
- Zolpidem Tartrate 10 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 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.