Ethylcellulose is extensively utilized in both oral and topical pharmaceutical formulations. In oral formulations, ethylcellulose primarily serves as a hydrophobic coating agent for tablets and granules. These coatings are employed to modify drug release, mask unpleasant tastes, or enhance formulation stability, such as by preventing oxidation in coated granules. Additionally, ethylcellulose can be used as a matrix former in modified-release tablet formulations. When dissolved in an organic solvent or solvent mixture, ethylcellulose can independently form water-insoluble films. Higher-viscosity grades of ethylcellulose typically produce stronger and more durable films. The solubility of these films can be adjusted by adding hypromellose or a plasticizer. Aqueous polymer dispersions (or latex) of ethylcellulose, like Aquacoat ECD or Surelease, can also be used to create films without organic solvents. Drug release from ethylcellulose-coated dosage forms is controlled by diffusion through the film coating, which can be slow unless a large surface area, such as pellets or granules, is used. Aqueous ethylcellulose dispersions are commonly used to coat granules or pellets, which can absorb pressure and protect the coating during compression. High-viscosity grades of ethylcellulose are also used in drug microencapsulation. The release of a drug from an ethylcellulose microcapsule depends on the wall thickness and surface area of the microcapsule. In tablet formulations, ethylcellulose can act as a binder, either blended dry or wet-granulated with a solvent like ethanol (95%). It produces hard tablets with low friability, though they may have poor dissolution. Ethylcellulose has also been used to deliver therapeutic agents from oral appliances, such as dental devices. In topical formulations, ethylcellulose functions as a thickening agent in creams, lotions, or gels, provided an appropriate solvent is used. It has been studied as a stabilizer for emulsions. Additionally, ethylcellulose is used in cosmetics and food products.