PDF version (972KB) PIN code is necessary Pharmacoat (Hypromellose*) *  Instead of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose we changed its generic name to Hypromellose as from October, 2002. Film coating was developed as an undercoating for sugar coating in the 1950's and film-coated tablets were eventually introduced in the early 1970's. Since then, development work aimed at increasing the production rate of film-coated tablets and reducing the cost has been done in order to improve the efficiency of the pharmaceutical product, as well as the bioavailability of drug. Film coating is now well-established and an effective technique. "Pharmacoat" was developed from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in 1963, during the early days of film coating. It has been the subject of a continuous program of development and quality improvement since then. Film coatings of this type are now in widespread use throughout the world. "Pharmacoat" is also effective as a binder, since it does not interact with drugs, and it has a superior stability, non-ionic character. In addition, "Pharmacoat" can be used for cellulose capsule manufacturing instead of gelatin due to its more stable characteristics. Product line-up of Pharmacoat had been revised from June 2007. Pharmacoat  Water-Soluble Film Coating Agent (Hypromellose; USP)   Grade Substitution Type Labeled Viscosity (mPa･s)* Pharmacoat 603 2910 3 645 4.5 606 6 615 15 904 2208 4 Note: * 2 wt.% aqueous solution at 20oC according to the USP measuring method. Pharmacoat is also useful as a binder for tablets or granules. Pharmacoat 904 is especially useful as a binder for sugar coating.