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  3. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose: Physicochemical properties and ocular drug delivery formulations

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose: Physicochemical properties and ocular drug delivery formulations

  • Eur J Pharm Sci. 2021 Apr 1;159:105736. doi: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.105736.
L L Tundisi 1,  G B Mostaço 2,  P C Carricondo 2,  D F S Petri 3
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
  • 2 Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
  • 3 Fundamental Chemistry Department, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 748, 05508-000São Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address: [email protected].
PMID: 33516807 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.105736
Abstract

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a cellulose ether widely used in drug formulations due to its biocompatibility, uncharged nature, solubility in water and thermoplastic behavior. Particularly for ocular and ophthalmic formulations, HPMC is applied as viscosity enhancer agent in eye drops, gelling agent in injections, and polymeric matrix in films, filaments and inserts. The different therapeutic approaches are necessary due to the complex anatomic structure of the eye. The natural ocular barriers and the low drug permeation into the circulatory system make the drug administration challenging. This review presents the eye anatomy and the usual local routes of drugs administration, which are facilitated by the physicochemical properties of HPMC. The relationship between chemical structure and physicochemical properties of HPMC is displayed. The different types of formulations (local application) including HPMC for ocular drug delivery are discussed with basis on recent literature reports and patents.

Keywords

Eye; Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; Ocular drug delivery; Ocular formulations.

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