Croscarmellose sodium

Croscarmellose sodium is an internally cross-linked polymer of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. This polymer reduces water solubility while allowing the material to swell and absorb many times its weight in water. As a result, it provides the tablet with superior dissolution and disintegration, thereby improving the bioavailability of the active ingredients by facilitating their dissolution in digestive fluids and subsequent absorption.

Characteristics

Appearance

  • A white or greyish-white powder as IP
  • White or greyish-white hygroscopic powder as EP/BP
  • White, free-flowing powder as USP

Solubility

  • Partially in water; insoluble in alcohol, in ether, and in other organic solvents as IP/USP
  • Practically insoluble in acetone, in anhydrous ethanol and in toluene as EP/BP