Methylcellulose (100 MPa.s)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 8, 2024.
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is it?
Methylcellulose is used as a tablet and capsule disintegrant, a tablet binder, and as a viscosity-increasing agent. It exists as a free-flowing white powder and dissolves in cold water to yield a clear gel. It is used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. In the pharmaceutical industry, methylcellulose is used in artificial tears products. Methylcellulose (Citrucel) is also a bulk-forming laxative that works by absorbing water and swelling in the intestines. This helps the stool form the bulk necessary to be easily passed. It may also be used in the manufacturing of capsules as a vegetarian option to gelatin. Methylcellulose has also been used as a substance for special effects in movies where a 'slime' effect is needed. Methylcellulose is derived from cellulose. Cellulose is not digestible or absorbed into the system, and is not known to be toxic or an allergen.[1][2]
Some examples of medications containing Methylcellulose (100 MPa.s)
- Atropine Sulfate and Diphenoxylate Hydrochloride 0.025 mg / 2.5 mg
- Bupropion Hydrochloride 100 mg
- Bupropion Hydrochloride 75 mg
- Carisoprodol 350 mg
- Daypro 600 mg
- Etodolac 500 mg
- Etodolac 400 mg
- Methocarbamol 500 mg
- Methocarbamol 750 mg
- Oxaprozin 600 mg
- Oxaprozin 600 mg
- Oxaprozin 600 mg
- Oxcarbazepine 300 mg
- Prenatal Plus Low Iron
- Promethazine Hydrochloride 12.5 mg
- Promethazine Hydrochloride 50 mg
- Promethazine Hydrochloride 50 mg
- Promethazine Hydrochloride 12.5 mg
- Promethazine Hydrochloride 25 mg
- Promethazine Hydrochloride 25 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
- Drugs.com. Methylcellulose. Accessed February 21, 2015 at http://www.drugs.com/cdi/methylcellulose.html
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.