Epitochem

Methylcellulose (MC)

Methylcellulose (MC)

Methylcellulose is a white, fibrous powder or granular substance that is practically odorless and tasteless. It is an important excipient in pharmaceutical formulations, primarily used as a thickener, gelling agent, and stabilizer. The viscosity of methylcellulose varies depending on its grade, and it is typically labeled to indicate the viscosity type, which is determined by measuring the viscosity of a 1 in 50 aqueous solution.

Chemical Name and CAS Registry Number :- Cellulose methyl ether [9004-67-5]
Functional Category :- Coating agent; emulsifying agent; suspending agent; tablet and capsule disintegrant; tablet binder; viscosity-increasing agent.

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Pharmacopeial Specifications for Methylcellulose

Test JP 2001 PhEur 2005 USP 28
Identification ✔✔✔ ✔ ✔✔✔
pH 5.0–8.0 5.5–8.0 —
Loss on Drying ≤5.0% ≤10.0% ≤5.0%
Residue on Ignition ≤1.0% ≤1.0% ≤1.5%
Chlorides ≤0.284% ≤0.5% —
Heavy Metals ≤10 ppm ≤20 ppm ≤0.001%
Methoxyl Assay 26.0–33.0% — 27.5–31.5%

Applications in Pharmaceutical Formulation or Technology

Methylcellulose is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations as a binder, disintegrant, emulsifier, thickener, and sustained-release agent. It is commonly used in tablets, suspensions, topical products, and ophthalmic preparations. Therapeutically, it serves as a bulk laxative and has been explored for appetite control.

Comments

Methylcellulose’s gelation temperature and viscosity are influenced by concentration, additives, and drugs. It dissolves best by mixing with hot water (70°C) and cooling below 20°C. Alternative methods include dry blending or pre-wetting with ethanol. Its solutions exhibit pseudoplastic flow and remain stable when frozen. Some cellulose ethers contain hydroxypropyl substitutions and should not be mistaken for pure methylcellulose.

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