Pharmacopeial specification table for Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
| Test | PhEur 2005 |
|---|---|
| Identification | ✓ |
| Appearance of solution | ✓ |
| pH | 5.5–8.0 |
| Apparent viscosity | ✓ |
| Chlorides | ≤0.5% |
| Heavy metals | ≤20 ppm |
| Loss on drying | ≤10.0% |
| Sulfated ash | ≤1.0% |
Applications in Pharmaceutical Formulation or Technology
Hydroxyethylmethyl cellulose is used in oral tablets, suspensions, and topical gels. It has properties similar to methylcellulose but offers better water solubility, salt tolerance, and a higher coagulation temperature.
Comments
Hydroxyethyl cellulose has limited use in foodstuffs compared to its extensive application as an excipient in oral pharmaceutical formulations.
