Pharmaceutical-Grade HPMC – Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Pharmaceutical-grade HPMC is a semi-synthetic, inert polymer derived from cellulose, one of the most abundant natural polymers. It undergoes chemical modification where hydroxyl groups in cellulose are replaced with methoxy (-OCH₃) and hydroxypropyl (-OCH₂CH(OH)CH₃) groups. This modification gives HPMC its unique properties that make it highly useful in pharmaceutical applications.
Pharmaceutical-grade Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is a versatile and highly purified cellulose derivative used as a thickener, binder, film former, and emulsifier. Widely recognized in the pharmaceutical industry, HPMC ensures excellent performance in a range of applications such as drug delivery systems, tablets, and capsules.
- CAS:9004-65-3
- Molecular Formula:C3H7O*
- Molecular Mass：59.08708
- EINECS：618-389-6
Key Properties of HPMC for Pharmaceuticals
Water Solubility
HPMC is soluble in cold water but forms gels when heated, making it versatile in applications requiring temperature-dependent behavior.
Viscosity
It comes in various grades with different viscosity levels, which affects its performance in specific pharmaceutical applications. Higher viscosity grades are often used for sustained-release formulations, while lower grades are preferred for coatings.
Film-forming ability
HPMC forms a protective, smooth, and flexible film when applied to tablet coatings. This film protects the active ingredients from environmental factors like humidity, light, and oxygen.
Non-Ionic Nature
Because it is non-ionic, HPMC doesn’t react with charged drug molecules or excipients, ensuring stability and efficacy of the drug.
Biodegradability
HPMC is derived from cellulose and is biodegradable, making it an environmentally friendly choice in pharmaceutical formulations.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, commonly abbreviated as HPMC, is a versatile cellulose ether used in a wide range of applications. Derived from natural cellulose, HPMC is a non-ionic, water-soluble polymer known for its superior water retention, thickening, and film-forming properties. These features make it an essential ingredient in many industrial formulations, enhancing product performance and quality.
Product Technical Parameters
| Desc | Range |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or similar white fibrous orgranular powder |
| Hydroxypropyl content，% | 8-12 |
| Methoxy (degree of substitution) | 18-22 |
| Ash Content (%) | <5 |
| water 2% solution viscosity, mPa.s | 400-85000 Brookfield |
| Gel temperature , 'C | 65-75 |
| PH | 5.5-7.5 |
Aqueous solution of hot soluble cellulose
- Add 200ml of water to the measuring cup.
- Add 2 grams of HPMC to the water.
- Accelerated stirring to become an aqueous solution.
Viscosity grades of HPMC can be customised.
Application of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) in Capsules
Adding HPMC to capsules offers several key advantages: it provides a plant-based, non-allergenic alternative to gelatin, making it suitable for vegetarian, vegan, and globally diverse markets. HPMC capsules are highly stable, with excellent moisture resistance and temperature tolerance, which enhances shelf life, especially in humid environments. Additionally, they allow for precise control over dissolution rates, making them versatile for both immediate and delayed-release formulations.
Their ability to be customized in size, color, and release profiles further enhances their flexibility for various pharmaceutical and dietary applications.
Recommended Products
| Item No. | E5 | E4.5 | E5 | E6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Methoxy (WT%) | 28.0-30.0 | |||
| Hydroxypropoxy（WT%） | 7.0-12.0 | |||
| Gelation Temperature(℃) | 58-64 | |||
| Viscosity（mPa.s）(2%solu.,20℃) | 3.2-4.8 | 3.6-5.4 | 4.0-6.0 | 4.8-7.2 |
| Container Load | 25KG,9T/20' 18T/40' | |||
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) Applications in Tablet and Capsule Coating
Adding HPMC to capsules offers several key advantages: it provides a plant-based, non-allergenic alternative to gelatin, making it suitable for vegetarian, vegan, and globally diverse markets.
HPMC capsules are highly stable, with excellent moisture resistance and temperature tolerance, which enhances shelf life, especially in humid environments. Additionally, they allow for precise control over dissolution rates, making them versatile for both immediate and delayed-release formulations.
Their ability to be customized in size, color, and release profiles further enhances their flexibility for various pharmaceutical and dietary applications.
Recommended Products
| Item | Model | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E3 | E5 | E6 | E15 | ||||
| Methoxy(WT%) | Content(%) | 28.0-30.0 | |||||
| DS(%) | 1.8-2.0 | ||||||
| Methoxy(WT%) | Content(%) | 7.5-12.0 | |||||
| DS(%) | 58-64 | ||||||
| Viscosity（mPa.s）(2%solu.,20℃) | 2.4-3.6 | 4.0-6.0 | 4.8-7.2 | 12-18 | |||
| Loss on drying (%) | ≤5 | ||||||
| Scorching residue（%） | ≤1.5 | ||||||
| heavy metal（ppm） | ≤10 | ||||||
| PH | 5.0-8.0 | ||||||
Application of Hydroxypropyl MethylCellulose (HPMC) in Contorlled Release Grade
Adding HPMC to sustained-release and controlled-release drugs provides key advantages by enabling precise control over the release of active ingredients.
HPMC forms a gel matrix upon contact with fluids, which slows down the drug’s release, ensuring a steady and prolonged therapeutic effect over time. This reduces the need for frequent dosing and enhances patient compliance.
Its versatility allows for the customization of release profiles, making it suitable for a wide range of pharmaceutical formulations while maintaining the drug’s stability and efficacy throughout the release period.
Recommended Products
| Mellutel Grade | Viscosity(Brookfiled) | Reference dosage | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| K100 | 80-120 | 5%-75% | Stable dilution rate, small individual differences,good compressibility, lubricity, and other characteristics |
| K4M | 3000-5600 | ||
| K15M | 11250-21000 | ||
| K100M | 75000-140000 |
workshops
Package&Strorage:
Drums used to contain pharmaceutical grade HPMC are usually made of high quality food grade materials such as polyethylene (PE) or metal drums. They are lined with a plastic bag to provide an additional layer of protection against any direct contact between the HPMC and the drum surface.
We can also provide customized packaging and do OEM processing for you.
Keep it in cool dry warehouse,away from moisture, sun,fire,rain.
Why Choose WH-HPMC?
Fast Delivery
With plenty of products in stock, your time is very valuable to us and we ship in the fastest time possible!
Technical Support
We offer comprehensive technical support including product selection advice, application guidance, and troubleshooting.
Logistics Support
We have a fixed logistics company, timely delivery and favorable price.
Customized packages
We can design the package to your liking and the package is exclusively yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions about HPMC for your convenience, but if you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us.
Is the HPMC compliant with international pharmaceutical standards like USP or EP?
How does HPMC ensure consistency in drug release for sustained and controlled-release formulations?
What measures are taken to guarantee the purity and quality of HPMC?
Can HPMC be used in both immediate-release and delayed-release formulations?
How does the use of HPMC impact the overall stability of drug formulations?
What is the shelf life of pharmaceutical-grade HPMC, and how should it be stored?
