- In the pharmaceutical industry, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is used in a wide range of applications. It is commonly used as a binder in tablet formulations, helping to hold the ingredients together and improve the overall quality of the tablet. HPMC is also used as a controlled-release agent in some medications, helping to regulate the release of the active ingredient in the body.


In ophthalmology it is used due to its good wetting properties, excellent tissue and endothelium protection, efficient volume replacement and quick removal. Specifically, it can be used to wet the cornea during cataract, corneal or retinal procedures.
A number of toxicological studies have been conducted to evaluate the safety of HPMC. These studies include acute, subchronic and chronic toxicity assessments, as well as genotoxicity and carcinogenicity studies. Overall, these findings suggest that HPMC is safe when consumed within the recommended dosage range.
What is the Mechanism of Action of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose?
The use of HPMC as a feed additive is considered safe for the environment.


Substitution of cellulose with ethyl-, methyl-, hydroxypropyl-, hydroxypropyl-methyl- and carboxymethyl groups may increase the resistance of cellulose to degradation. Resistance increases with the degree of substitution and is greatest when the substituent groups are evenly dispersed along the polymer chain. Most cellulose of the additive under assessment will therefore pass the intestine undigested and will excreted unchanged via faeces. Even when a high cellulolytic activity is present, as in the rumen, ethyl cellulose remains sufficiently resistant to degradation to be used as enteric coatings designed to protect methionine from rumen release (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2012c). Subsequent degradation in the post-ruminal tract is most likely to lead to high molecule weight breakdown products, with little probability of absorption.

