HYDROXYPROPYL METHYLCELLULOSE
HYDROXYPROPYL METHYLCELLULOSE (HPMC) belongs to the group of cellulose ethers in which hydroxyl groups have been substituted with one or more of the three hydroxyl groups present in the cellulose ring. HPMC is hydrophilic (water soluble), a biodegradable, and biocompatible polymer having a wide range of applications in drug delivery. HPMC is also soluble in polar organic solvents, making it possible to use both aqueous and nonaqueous solvents. It has unique solubility properties with solubility in both hot and cold organic solvents. HPMC possesses increased organo-solubility and thermo-plasticity compared to other methyl cellulose counterparts. It forms gel upon heating with gelation temperature of 75–90oC.
Pharmaceutical Ingredients