2020

UNDER SUPERVISION OF
DR. OMMIA ALI
 Artificial tears
Methyl cellulose
Description
Methylcellulose is used as a tablet and capsule disintegrant, a
tablet binder, and as a viscosity-increasing agent. It exists as a
free-flowing white powder and dissolves in cold water to yield
a clear gel. It is used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical
industries. In the pharmaceutical industry, methylcellulose is
used in artificial tears products. Methylcellulose (Citrucel) is
also a bulk-forming laxative that works by absorbing water and
swelling in the intestines. This helps the stool form the bulk
necessary to be easily passed. It may also be used in the
manufacturing of capsules as a vegetarian option to gelatin.
Methylcellulose has also been used as a substance for special
effects in movies where a 'slime' effect is needed.
Methylcellulose is derived from cellulose. Cellulose is not
digestible or absorbed into the system, and is not known to be
toxic or an allergen.

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Physical properties
Color/Form
White granules
Odor
Odorless
Taste
Tasteless
Melting Point
290 to 305 °C /Film/
Solubility
• sol in cold water
• insoluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, and
in water warmer that 50.5 °c; soluble in glacial acetic
acid; unaffected by oils and greases.
• insol in hot water & most organic solvents
• insol in alcohol, ether & chloroform; sol in glacial acetic
acid
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 • sol in mixture of equal parts of alcohol & chloroform;
insol in saturated salt soln
stability/shelf life
Stable @ Room Temp /Aq Soln/
Decomposition
When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke & irritating
fumes.
Viscosity
10-15,000 cP /2% solution/
Surface Tension
47-53 dyn/cm /0.1% solution/
Experimental Properties
• Gel @ temp about 50 °c /aq soln/
• Stable to alkalies & dilute acids
• Swells in water to a viscous colloidal solution. Unaffected
by oils and greases. Stable up to approx. 300 °C. Stable to
light; combustible. Specifications call for methoxy group
content of narrow or wide ranges within 25-33%.
• Methyl celluloses have excellent water retention
properties.
• Available in viscosities ranging from 10 cp-8000 cp when
measured in 2% soln @ 20 °c

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Uses
Artificial tears and saliva
The lubricating property of methyl cellulose is of particular
benefit in the treatment of dry eyes.[4] Solutions containing
methyl cellulose or similar cellulose derivatives are used as
substitute for tears or saliva if the natural production of these
fluids is disturbed.
Pharmacodynamics
It increases the bulk in your stool, an effect that helps to cause
movement of the intestines. It also works by increasing the
amount of water in the stool, making the stool softer and easier
to pass.
Mechanism of action
Methylcellulose absorbs water in the gastrointestinal lumen
thereby increasing the bulk of the stool. This leads to distension
and stimulation of peristalsis. The ability of methylcellulose to
absorb water may contribute to its efficacy in the management
of diarrhea by once again increasing the bulk and consistency
of the stool.

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Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Cellulose derivatives considered in this report are virtually
unabsorbed and little or no degradation of absorbed and little
or no degradation of absorbable products occurs in the human
digestive tract. In humans, virtually 100 percent of orally
ingested methyl cellulose can be recovered in the feces withihn
four days, indicating that absorption does not occur.
Volume of distribution
accumulation in liver, spleen, lymph nodes, kidney, and
vascular walls.
Protein binding
Not Available
Metabolism
Reported that when methylcellulose was given iv to dog and
rabbit , aside from effect upon circulating blood, inability of
body to degrade substance led to its retention & accumulation
in liver, spleen, lymph nodes, kidney, and vascular walls.
Route of elimination
When swallowed they are not absorbed to any appreciable
degree and appear unchanged in feces.

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Half life
4.2 minutes
Clearance
Not Available
Toxicity
Organism: Mouse Test type: LD50 Route : Intraperitoneal
Reported Dose: 275gm/kg ( 275000mg/kg) Toxic Effect:
Details of toxic effects not reported other than lethal dose value
Organism: Mouse Test type: LDLo Route : Intravenous
Reported Dose: 1gm/kg ( 1000mg/kg) Toxic Effect: Details of
toxic effects not reported other than lethal dose value
Side/Adverse Effects
Increase in intraocular pressure{01} (asymptomatic)
Incidence rare
Corneal edema or decompensation{01} (blurred vision or other
change in vision)
hypopyon{01} (pooling of whitish fluid visible on the colored
part of the eye)
iritis{01} (sensitivity to light; tearing; throbbing pain in eye)
Preparation of dosage form:
Directions for syringe assembly.
The pouch should be opened using sterile opening technique

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and the contents dropped onto a sterile field.
The glass cartridge should be inserted into the plastic holder
and pushed until the spike penetrates the rubber tip.
The plunger rod is then screwed clockwise into the rubber
stopper. The Luer lock cannula is connected to the syringe tip
and twisted firmly into place, then checked for proper function.
Any air bubbles should be allowed to rise to the surface and the
plunger rod pushed slightly to release the bubbles from the
syringe tip and the cannula.
Interactions

Other drugs may interact with methylcellulose, including

prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about
all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop
using.
Dosage

Methylcellulose is usually taken 1 to 3 times per day. Use

exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than
recommended. Overuse of a laxative may cause damage to
the nerves, muscles, or tissues in your intestines.

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Methylcellulose is a powder medicine that must be mixed with
a full glass (8 ounces) of cold water or other liquid. Drink all of
the mixture, and then drink one more glass of water.

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References
https://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/methylcellulose
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/methyl-cellulose
https://www.drugs.com/pregnancy/methylcellulose.html
https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB11228
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Methylcellulose#section=Identification
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methyl_cellulose