- The key component in HPMC's chemical structure is its balance between hydroxypropyl and methyl groups, which significantly influences its properties. The hydroxypropyl group enhances solubility, while the methyl group imparts stability and improves its performance under different conditions. This unique combination makes HPMC an ideal choice for applications requiring controlled viscosity, film formation, or sustained release properties.
- Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a widely used substance across various industries due to its versatile properties and non-toxic nature. The question of whether HPMC is safe, however, is one that often arises, particularly in the context of its application in food, pharmaceuticals, and construction materials.
- 2. Viscosity Control HPMC can thicken liquids by absorbing water and forming a gel-like structure. This property allows it to control the viscosity of coatings and adhesives, ensuring proper application and performance.
- HPMC is widely used in various industries due to its unique properties. In pharmaceuticals, it is used as a thickener in oral suspensions, tablets, and capsules. It also acts as a binder, improving the cohesion of granules and the integrity of tablets. In food, HPMC is used as a stabilizer, emulsifier, and thickener in products such as jams, jellies, and salad dressings. In cosmetics, it is used as a film former, providing a smooth and long-lasting finish to creams and lotions.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
So in a new blog series I am going to be asking ‘What On Earth Is…’ about many of the ingredients I see and don’t understand.
HPMC stands for hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or hypromellose for short. HPMC is the material from which most supplement capsules are made. It is a clear, tasteless, vegetarian and vegan appropriate material. It is normally made by extraction from wood pulp.
HPMC is used as a binder, lubricant, and release-modifying agent in tablets and capsules. It is also used as a matrix-forming agent in controlled-release dosage forms and as a viscosity-increasing agent in ophthalmic and nasal solutions.

hpmc chemical structure.

what is hydroxyethyl cellulose used for. Its ability to control the release of active ingredients and improve the overall bioavailability of drugs makes it an essential component in pharmaceutical formulations.
The same applies to achieve the needed high viscosity together with an unobstructed (bubble-free) view through the media of the eye and an easy and simple injectability.
The ingredients are simple so I know what she’s getting.