Uses of Carbopol in Medicine
Carbopol is widely used in non-injectable formulations, especially topical liquid and semisolid formulations.
Carbomer resin has been studied for the preparation of sustained-release matrix pellets, as an enzyme inhibitor of intestinal protease in preparations containing polypeptides, as an adhesive for cervical patches and as microspheres for nasal administration, And magnetic granules that position drugs for delivery into the esophagus.
In addition, the value of Carbopol in medicine is far more than that, and its main medical value is divided into the following four aspects.
One is that it can be used as a sustained-release material to make controlled-release drugs for corresponding applications, such as ascorbic acid, aspirin, lithium carbonate, atropine sulfate, procaine hydrochloride, chlorpheniramine, quinine sulfate, theophylline, etc.
Second, it is used as a formula for external use, and can be used as a carrier matrix to make ointments, suppositories, gels, emulsions, etc.
The third is to make use of its gelling, adhesiveness, and film-forming properties. In the bioadhesive, it is used as a carrier matrix and a biopatch made of drugs. Because it is attached to the tissue mucosa for a long time, the bioavailability of the drug is improved. For example, mucous membranes are used as drug targets, including eye, nasal cavity, intestinal tract, vagina and rectal mucosa, etc.
The fourth is to use its suspending ability to effectively suspend the insoluble components to form a uniformly dispersed system, which is applied to oral suspensions, and has the characteristics of safety and effectiveness, avoiding taste, maintaining stability, and improving bioavailability.
Other Uses
In addition to medical treatment, Carbomer 951 is also used as a thickener in the preparation of double emulsion microspheres. Carbomers are also commonly used in cosmetics.
Carbopol is a stable and hygroscopic substance, and heating at 104°C for 2 hours does not affect its thickening properties.
However, exposure to excessively high temperatures can cause discoloration and reduced stability. It can be completely decomposed by heating at 260°C for 30 minutes.
And the safety of Carbopol is also there, and some grades can be used in oral preparations. It is generally believed that Carbopol is basically a non-toxic and non-irritating excipient.
There is no evidence of allergic reactions to topical application of Carbopol, but oral doses of 1 to 3 g of Carbopol can be used as a strong laxative.