Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is it?
Hypromellose, also commonly known as hydroxypropyl methycellulose (HPMC) is a coating agent and film-former used as an inactive ingredient in the pharmaceutical industry.[1] It has also been used as a rate-controlling polymer for sustained-release dose forms.
As a powder, hypromellose is off-white to beige and may be in granules. Hypromellose is considered an inert ingredient. It has a high viscosity and is often used in ophthalmic preparations as artificial tears for dry eyes.[2] In the US, it is available over-the-counter (OTC) in such products as Isopto Tears and Nature’s Tears.
[1] [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] Innovate Us. What is Hypromellose? http://www.innovateus.net/health/what-hypromellose. Accessed 08/19/2011
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
- Cesia desogestrel 0.1 mg / ethinyl estradiol 0.025 mg
- Cesia desogestrel 0.1 mg / ethinyl estradiol 0.025 mg
- Flumadine 100 mg
- Flurbiprofen 100 mg
- Flurbiprofen 50 mg
- Fluvoxamine Maleate 100 mg
- Ismo 20 mg
- Isosorbide Dinitrate Extended Release 40 mg
- Isosorbide Mononitrate Extended Release 30 mg
- Metformin Hydrochloride 1000 mg
- Metformin Hydrochloride 500 mg
- Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release 500 mg
- Metoprolol Tartrate 50 mg
- Oxycodone Hydrochloride Extended Release 20 mg
- Oxycodone Hydrochloride Extended Release 40 mg
- Ranitidine Hydrochloride 300 mg
- Soma compound with codeine 325 mg / 200 mg / 16 mg
- Trovan 100 MG
- Zolpidem Tartrate 5 mg
- Zolpidem Tartrate 10 mg