METOLOSE®
METOLOSE® (Hypromellose* & Methylcellulose)
* Instead of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose we changed its generic name to Hypromellose as from October, 2002.
Shin-Etsu Chemical started production of water-soluble cellulose ethers in 1962 under the trade name METOLOSE®. METOLOSE® consists of methylcellulose and hypromellose, each of which is available in several grades of viscosity. In the manufacturing process, highly purified natural pulp is etherified with methyl chloride or with the combination of methyl chloride and propylene oxide to form a water-soluble, non-ionic cellulose ether. No animal resources are used in the production of METOLOSE®. METOLOSE® can be used as a binder for solid dosage forms such as tablets and granules. It also serves a variety of functions, for examples, in enhancing water retention, thickening, acting as a protective colloid due to its surface activity, sustaining release, and film formation. METOLOSE® is also used as a non-digestive fiber for dietary supplements.
METOLOSE® SR (Hypromellose*)
* Instead of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose we changed its generic name to Hypromellose as from October, 2002.
METOLOSE® SR is designed exclusively for a hydrophilic matrix agent. It has tighter specifications compared to the regular METOLOSE® grades. The hydrophilic matrix system is the simplest sustained-release technology for oral dosage forms, consisting essentially of a drug and a water-soluble, highly viscous polymer.
METOLOSE® SR has a high level of consistency in its product quality.
METOLOSE® Binder and Thickening Agent
(Hypromellose; USP & Methylcellulose; USP)
| Type | Viscosity Grade* (mPa･s) | Substitution Type | Methoxy Content(%) | Hydroxypropoxy Content(%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| METOLOSE® | SM | 4,4VF,15,25,100,400 1500,4000 | (Methylcellulose) | 26.0-33.0 | - |
| 60SH | 50, 4000, 10000 | 2910 | 28.0-30.0 | 7.0-12.0 | |
| 65SH | 50,400,4000 | 2906 | 27.0-30.0 | 4.0-7.5 | |
| 90SH | 4000,15000,100000 | 2208 | 19.0-24.0 | 4.0-12.0 |
Note: * 2 wt.% aqueous solution at 20°C according to the USP measuring method.
METOLOSE® SR grade Sustained Release Usage
(Hypromellose; USP)
| Type | Viscosity Grade* (mPa･s) | Substitution Type | Methoxy Content(%) | Hydroxypropoxy Content(%) | Particle size(μm) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| METOLOSE® SR | 90SH | 100SR 4000SR 15000SR 100000SR |
2208 | 22.0-24.0 | 8.5-10.5 | D20:20 - 40 D50:50 - 80 D80:100 - 160 |
Note: * 2 wt.% aqueous solution at 20°C according to the USP measuring method.
The degree of substitution and powder properties (i.e.; particle size, etc.) of METOLOSE® SR grades are controlled to a limited range which is suitable for sustained release preparations from the view point of functionality and processability.
METOLOSE® SR grades are suitable for direct compression and wet granulation.