Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) is a substance commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry, but is also used in other industries such as food and construction. It is often praised for its versatility and safety, but what are the health effects of HPMC, which is classified as an E-number with red flags, and is it healthy or unhealthy? In this article, we answer these questions and explore the safety, benefits and applications of pharmaceutical HPMC.
Wat is Farmaceutische HPMC?
Pharmaceutical HPMC is a pure and specially processed hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose that meets the stringent requirements of the pharmaceutical industry. It is made from cellulose, a natural polymer derived from plants. HPMC has excellent properties that make it a popular ingredient in pharmaceutical formulations such as tablets, capsules and liquids.
Kenmerken van farmaceutische HPMC:
- Vegan and not tested on animals: HPMC is a plant-based substance and therefore suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
- Chemically stable: it can withstand high temperatures and humidity, thus increasing the effectiveness and shelf life of the drug and maximising its effectiveness.
- Safe for the body: HPMC is not absorbed by the body, which means there are no harmful effects when ingested.
- Versatile: It can be adapted to a wide range of medical applications from capsule to tablet coating.
Hoe wordt HPMC Gemaakt?
HPMC is manufactured by treating cellulose through a chemical process. The following are the most important steps:
1.Extraction of cellulose: Cellulose is extracted from natural plants, such as cotton.
2.Chemical modification: Treatment of cellulose with alkalis (e.g. sodium hydroxide) and alkoxy compounds (e.g. methyl and hydroxypropyl) to attach to the cellulose. This process changes the structure of the cellulose and makes it soluble in water. It can also withstand high temperatures better.
3.Purification: the resulting HPMC was then cleaned to remove impurities.
4.Drying and powdering: The final product is dried and ground into a fine powder or dissolved in water, depending on the application.
This process ensures that HPMC has the correct physical properties for pharmaceutical use, including solubility, viscosity and stability.
Is Farmaceutische HPMC Veilig?
Pharmaceuticals HPMC is recognised globally as safe for use in medicines and is approved by authorities such as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and EMA (European Medicines Agency).
Veiligheidskenmerken van HPMC:
- Non-toxic and hypoallergenic: HPMC does not usually cause allergies or toxic reactions in most people.
- Passive substance: HPMC is not absorbed by the body. It passes through the digestive tract and is excreted unchanged.
- Safe for children and vulnerable groups: As HPMC is a plant-based product, it is often used in pharmaceutical products for children and other sensitive consumers.
HPMC is een uitstekende keuze voor farmaceutische producten, aangezien het voldoet aan de veiligheidseisen voor gebruik in medicijnen en voedingssupplementen.
Is HPMC Gezond of Ongezond?
Pharmaceuticals HPMC is healthy and widely recognised as a safe substance for pharmaceutical use. It is not absorbed by the body and has no harmful effects. In fact, it is an excellent alternative to gelatin, which is an animal product and therefore particularly suitable for vegetarians or people with food allergies.
However, there are some things to be aware of when using HPMC in large quantities. In exceptional cases it may have a slight laxative effect, but this is rare and not usually considered harmful.
Zijn er Risico’s?
Although HPMC is generally considered safe, there are some potential risks:
- Overdosage: In some cases, large amounts of HPMC can cause minor digestive problems, such as laxative effects.
- Individual sensitivity: In rare cases, people may be sensitive to cellulosic compounds, but this does not usually happen.
For most people, HPMC is a safe option that poses no health risks.
Pharmaceutical hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a safe, versatile and highly effective substance that offers many benefits for pharmaceuticals and other products. Even though it is a synthetic fibre, there is no reason to reject this substance as long as you do not personally have an allergic reaction to it. It is an excellent alternative to gelatin for controlled drug release and has no adverse health effects. HPMC’s versatility and safety make it an important ingredient in modern pharmaceutical products.