Methylcellulose (400 MPa.s)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 12, 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 (400 MPa.s)
- Atorvastatin Calcium 80 mg
- Atorvastatin Calcium 40 mg
- Atorvastatin Calcium 10 mg
- Atorvastatin Calcium 20 mg
- Cefprozil 250 mg
- Cefprozil 500 mg
- Doxycycline Hyclate 100 mg
- Doxycycline Hyclate 20 mg
- Doxycycline Hyclate 50 mg
- Doxycycline Hyclate 100 mg
- Doxycycline Hyclate 50 mg
- Doxycycline Hyclate 100 mg
- Methyldopa 250 mg
- Methyldopa 500 mg
- Mycophenolic Acid Delayed-Release 180 mg
- Mycophenolic Acid Delayed-Release 360 mg
- Oxaprozin 600 mg
- Primidone 250 mg
- Primidone 50 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.