Overview
Methyl cellulose polymer consisting of numerous linked glucose molecules used as a stabiliser, thickener and emulsifier for foodstuffs and cosmetics. The Degree of Substitution (DS) of a given form of methyl cellulose is defined as the average number of substituted hydroxyl groups per glucose with a theoretical maximum of 3, however more typical values are 1.3 2.6. Methyl cellulose is a hydrophilic white powder in pure form and dissolves in cold (but not in hot) water, forming a clear viscous solution or gel. It is available under a variety of trade names as a treatment for constipation. Like cellulose, it is not digestible, not toxic, and not allergenic
Background
Methyl cellulose polymer consisting of numerous linked glucose molecules used as a stabiliser, thickener and emulsifier for foodstuffs and cosmetics. The Degree of Substitution (DS) of a given form of methyl cellulose is defined as the average number of substituted hydroxyl groups per glucose with a theoretical maximum of 3, however more typical values are 1.3 2.6. Methyl cellulose is a hydrophilic white powder in pure form and dissolves in cold (but not in hot) water, forming a clear viscous solution or gel. It is available under a variety of trade names as a treatment for constipation. Like cellulose, it is not digestible, not toxic, and not allergenic
Indication
Solutions containing methyl cellulose are used as substitute for tears or saliva if the natural production of these fluids is disturbed. It is also used or constipation, diverticulosis, hemorrhoids and irritable bowel syndrome. Used in the manufacture of capsules in nutritional supplements. Its edible and nontoxic properties provide a vegetarian alternative to the use of gelatin.
Associated Conditions
- Constipation
- Dry Eye Syndrome (DES)
Clinical Trials
Title | Posted | Study ID | Phase | Status | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024/09/19 | Phase 3 | Recruiting | University of Campinas, Brazil | ||
2023/08/21 | Phase 3 | Recruiting | |||
2020/12/16 | Phase 4 | Terminated | Medstar Health Research Institute | ||
2020/09/09 | Phase 1 | Completed | Instituto de Oftalmología Fundación Conde de Valenciana | ||
2018/03/30 | Phase 2 | Active, not recruiting | |||
2012/02/08 | Phase 2 | Completed | Dr. Rachel Holden | ||
2009/07/08 | Phase 4 | Completed | |||
2009/03/19 | Phase 4 | UNKNOWN | Clinica Oftamologica Zona Sul | ||
2008/06/05 | Phase 1 | Completed |
FDA Drug Approvals
Approved Product | Manufacturer | NDC Code | Route | Strength | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preferred Pharmaceuticals Inc. | 68788-7995 | ORAL | 2 g in 19 g | 5/12/2025 |
EMA Drug Approvals
Approved Product | Authorization Holder | Status | Issued Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| No EMA approvals found for this drug. | |||
HSA Drug Approvals
Approved Product | Manufacturer | Approval Number | Dosage Form | Strength | Approval Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No HSA approvals found for this drug. | |||||
NMPA Drug Approvals
Approved Product | Company | Approval Number | Drug Type | Dosage Form | Approval Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No NMPA approvals found for this drug. | |||||
PPB Drug Approvals
Approved Product | Registration No. | Company | Licence No. | Strength | Registration Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No PPB approvals found for this drug. | |||||
TGA Drug Approvals
Approved Product | ARTG ID | Sponsor | Registration Type | Status | Registration Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No TGA approvals found for this drug. | |||||