Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) is a versatile chemical compound that is widely used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals and food.
In the pharmaceutical industry, HPMC is commonly used as an excipient or an inactive ingredient in medication formulations. It is often used as a binder, thickener, or coating agent in tablets, capsules, and other oral dosage forms. HPMC is also used in ophthalmic preparations, such as eye drops and ointments, as a viscosity enhancer and lubricant. HPMC is considered safe for use in pharmaceutical products and has been approved by regulatory agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
In the food industry, HPMC is used as a food additive and is approved for use in many countries, including the US and the EU. HPMC is used as a thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer in a variety of food products, including baked goods, dairy products, and beverages. It is also used as a vegetarian alternative to gelatin in many products. HPMC is considered safe for use in food products and has been assigned a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status by the FDA.
Overall, HPMC is a versatile and safe chemical compound that has many applications in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Its properties make it a useful ingredient for various formulations and products.