Carboxymethyl Cellulose, commonly referred to as CMC or Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose, is a water-soluble cellulose derivative widely used as a functional pharmaceutical excipient. It is the sodium salt of the carboxymethyl ether of cellulose and is valued for its thickening, stabilizing, suspending, binding and rheology-modifying properties. USP identifies Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium as an established excipient monograph.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium is an anionic, water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose. Its functionality depends on factors such as degree of substitution, molecular weight, viscosity grade, particle size and concentration.
CMC readily disperses in water and can form colloidal or viscous solutions. Different grades are available to provide different viscosity and rheological characteristics for pharmaceutical formulation requirements.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose is used as a functional excipient in pharmaceutical formulations for viscosity modification, suspension stabilization, thickening, binding and rheology control.
Depending on the grade and formulation, CMC can be used in oral liquid formulations, suspensions and other dosage forms where water-soluble polymer functionality is required. Pharmaceutical CMC grades are available with different viscosity and substitution characteristics to accommodate different formulation requirements.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose provides viscosity and rheological modification in aqueous systems. Its performance is influenced by concentration, molecular weight, degree of substitution, particle size, pH, electrolytes and processing conditions.
CMC can function as a thickener, binder, stabilizer, protective colloid, suspending agent and rheology or flow-control agent.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium is the sodium salt of a carboxymethyl ether of cellulose. The commonly referenced CAS number for sodium carboxymethylcellulose is 9004-32-4. USP documentation describes the material as containing 6.5%–9.5% sodium on the dried basis for its Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium monograph.
In European nomenclature, the pharmaceutical excipient is commonly referred to as Carmellose Sodium. Other names include Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose, Sodium CMC and Cellulose Gum, depending on the applicable nomenclature and grade.
Quality evaluation of pharmaceutical Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium can include identification, sodium content, viscosity, pH, loss on drying, degree of substitution, purity and other applicable pharmacopeial or product-specific tests.
The exact acceptance criteria should be taken from the approved specification and Certificate of Analysis for the particular CMC grade supplied.
Swapnroop supports pharmaceutical customers with specification-focused excipient products for formulation and manufacturing applications. Carboxymethyl Cellulose can be supplied for applications requiring viscosity modification, thickening, suspension stabilization, binding and rheological control.
The exact grade, viscosity, pharmacopeial compliance, documentation and packaging should be confirmed according to the specific material supplied.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose should be stored in tightly closed original packaging and protected from moisture, contamination and unsuitable environmental conditions.
The applicable storage temperature, shelf life and handling requirements should be followed according to the manufacturer's approved product documentation.
Depending on the grade and customer requirements, documentation may include Certificate of Analysis, Safety Data Sheet, Technical Data Sheet, product specification and applicable pharmacopeial or regulatory documentation.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose is suitable for pharmaceutical formulations requiring viscosity modification, thickening, suspension stabilization, binding and rheology control.
Swapnroop supports pharmaceutical customers with specification-focused pharmaceutical excipient supply, quality documentation and technical support for formulation and manufacturing requirements.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | white to off-white crystalline powder |