HPMC

HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) is known as capsule shell material, coating agent, dispersing agent, emulsifying agent, film-forming agent, modified-release agent, solubilizing agent, suspending agent, tablet and capsule binder, viscosity-increasing agent. This product is available in Arvin Kala’s diverse product portfolio.

Description
HPMC is an odorless and tasteless powder that is white or creamy-white in color, either fibrous or granular in form, and hygroscopic when dry. The structural formula of this substance is as follows:
Applications in Pharmaceutical Formulation or Technology
HPMC is extensively utilized in oral, ophthalmic, nasal, and topical formulations. In oral products, HPMC is mainly used as a tablet binder, in film-coating, and as a matrix for extended-release tablet formulations. It can be used as a binder in concentrations of 2% to 5% w/w in both wet- and dry-granulation processes. Additionally, HPMC serves as a suspending and/or thickening agent in liquid oral dosage forms at concentrations ranging from 0.25% to 5.0%. HPMC 2910 and, more commonly, HPMC 2208 are employed to slow the release of drugs from monolithic matrices at levels of 10% to 80% w/w. Depending on the viscosity grade, concentrations between 2% and 25% w/w are utilized for film-forming solutions to coat tablets. Lower-viscosity grades are used in aqueous film-coating solutions, while higher-viscosity grades are employed with organic solvents. HPMC is also utilized as a suspending and/or thickening agent in topical formulations. Compared to methylcellulose, HPMC creates aqueous solutions with greater clarity and fewer undissolved fibers, making it the preferred choice for ophthalmic formulations. It can be added as a thickening agent in eye drop and artificial tear formulations at concentrations between 0.45% and 1.0% w/w. Additionally, it is used commercially in liquid nasal formulations at a concentration of 0.1%. HPMC functions as an emulsifier, suspending agent, and stabilizer in topical gels and ointments. As a protective colloid, it helps to minimize or prevent the coalescence or agglomeration of droplets or particles. HPMC is employed as a film-forming agent in the production of hard-shell capsules, as an adhesive in plastic bandages, and as a wetting agent for hard contact lenses. It is also widely used in cosmetics and food products.
Stability and Storage Conditions
HPMC powder is a stable material, though it becomes hygroscopic after drying. It should be stored in a well-sealed container, in a cool, dry place. HPMC solutions are stable within a pH range of 3 to 11. It undergoes a reversible sol-gel transformation when heated and cooled. The gelation temperature varies from 50°C to 90°C, depending on the grade and concentration of hypromellose. Below the gelation temperature, the solution’s viscosity decreases as the temperature rises. Above the gelation temperature, the viscosity increases with rising temperature. Aqueous solutions of HPMC are relatively resistant to enzymes, ensuring suitable viscosity stability during long-term storage. However, they are prone to microbial spoilage and should be preserved with an antimicrobial agent. Benzalkonium chloride is commonly used as a preservative when HPMC is employed as a viscosity-increasing agent in ophthalmic solutions. These aqueous solutions can also be sterilized by autoclaving, and the coagulated polymer can be redispersed by agitation once cooled.
Method of Manufacture
A purified form of cellulose, derived from cotton linters or wood pulp, is reacted with sodium hydroxide solution to create swollen alkali cellulose, which is more chemically reactive than untreated cellulose. This alkali cellulose is then treated with chloromethane and propylene oxide to form methyl hydroxypropyl ethers of cellulose. The resulting fibrous product is purified and ground into a fine, uniform powder or granules. HPMC can be exposed to anhydrous hydrogen chloride to induce depolymerization, resulting in low viscosity grades.
Safety
HPMC is commonly used as an excipient in oral, ophthalmic, nasal, and topical pharmaceutical formulations. It is also widely utilized in cosmetics and food products. HPMC is generally considered nontoxic and non-irritating, though excessive oral consumption may have a laxative effect. The WHO has not specified an acceptable daily intake for hypromellose, as the levels consumed are not deemed a health hazard. In fact, high doses of HPMC are being studied for the treatment of various metabolic syndromes.

LD50 (mouse, IP): 5 g/kg

LD50 (rat, IP): 5.2 g/kg

Handling Precautions
Follow standard precautions suitable for the specific circumstances and the amount of material being handled. HPMC dust can irritate the eyes, so eye protection is advised. HPMC is combustible, and excessive dust generation should be avoided to minimize the risk of explosion.
Typical Properties

Acidity/alkalinity pH = 5.0-8.0 for a 2% w/w aqueous solution.

Autoignition temperature 360°C

Density (bulk) 0.341 g/cm³

Density (tapped) 0.557 g/cm³

Density (true) 1.326 g/cm³

Melting point None. Browns at 190-200°C; chars at 225-230°C.

Glass transition temperature at 170-180°C.

Chemical-physical values

Test Item Unit Specification
RESIDUE ON IGNITION
wt%
NMT 1.5
PH
NLT 5.5 NMT 8.0
HEAVY METALS
ppm
NMT 20
CHLORIDES
wt%
NMT 0.5
TOTAL BACTERIUM
g/
NMT 1000
MOULD
g/
NMT 100
Test Item Unit Specification
APPEARANCE
WHITE POWDER OR GRANULES
HYDROXYPROPOXYL CONTENT
wt%
NLT 4.0 NMT 12.0
METHOXYL CONTENT
wt%
NLT 19.0 NMT 24.0
APPARENT VISCOSITY
cp
NLT 3500 NMT 5600
LOSS ON DRYING
wt%
NMT 5.0

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