What is hypromellose used in tablets?

Hypromellose, also known as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), is commonly used in tablet formulations for several purposes:

1. Binder: HPMC is often used as a binder in tablet formulations to hold the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and other excipients together. As a binder, HPMC helps to form cohesive tablets with sufficient mechanical strength, ensuring that the tablet maintains its integrity during handling, packaging, and storage.
2. Disintegrant: In addition to its binding properties, HPMC can also function as a disintegrant in tablets. Disintegrants help to promote the rapid breakup or disintegration of the tablet upon ingestion, facilitating drug release and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. HPMC swells rapidly upon contact with water, leading to the breakup of the tablet into smaller particles and aiding in drug dissolution.
3. Film Former/Coating Agent: HPMC can be used as a film-forming agent or coating material for tablets. When applied as a thin film on the surface of the tablet, HPMC helps to improve the appearance, swallowability, and stability of the tablet. It can also serve as a barrier to protect the tablet from moisture, light, and atmospheric gases, thereby enhancing shelf-life and preserving the potency of the drug.
4. Matrix Former: In controlled-release or sustained-release tablet formulations, HPMC is often used as a matrix former. As a matrix former, HPMC controls the release of the drug by forming a gel-like matrix around the API, regulating its release rate over an extended period. This allows for controlled drug delivery and improved patient compliance by reducing the frequency of dosing.
5. Excipient: HPMC may also be used as an excipient in tablet formulations to modify the properties of the tablet, such as hardness, friability, and dissolution rate. Its versatile properties make it suitable for use in various formulations, including immediate-release, delayed-release, and extended-release tablets.

Overall, HPMC is a widely used pharmaceutical excipient in tablet formulations due to its biocompatibility, versatility, and effectiveness in achieving desired tablet properties. Its multifunctional nature allows formulators to tailor tablet formulations to meet specific drug delivery requirements and patient needs.