crosscarmellose

Crosscarmellose is a chemically modified form of cellulose used as a disintegrant in pharmaceutical tablets and capsules. It is a cross-linked sodium carboxymethylcellulose, meaning the cellulose polymer chains are linked together to improve its water-swelling properties. This cross-linking makes it insoluble in water but allows it to rapidly absorb water and swell significantly.

When incorporated into a solid dosage form, crosscarmellose acts by drawing water into the tablet or capsule. This rapid swelling causes the tablet to break apart into smaller fragments, thereby increasing the surface area available for drug dissolution. This process is crucial for ensuring that the active pharmaceutical ingredient can be released from the dosage form and absorbed by the body. The effectiveness of crosscarmellose as a disintegrant is dependent on factors such as particle size, compression force during tablet manufacturing, and the presence of other excipients. It is generally considered a safe and effective excipient, widely used in various oral solid dosage formulations to improve drug release profiles.