The primary use of dextrin is as an adhesive. In warp sizing, dextrin is used as an additive to starch to reduce the viscosity of the starch and improve the permeability of the sizing liquid. Starch paste containing dextrin is easy to desize, but has poor adhesion and a brittle film. It is often mixed with PVA for use in sizing viscose fiber yarn and cuprammonium fiber filaments, which prevents pilling during yarn separation. With the widespread use of synthetic sizing materials and modified starches, dextrin is rarely used in warp sizing formulations.

　　Pharmaceutical dextrin can be used as a thickener and stabilizer for sugars.

　　Pharmaceutical dextrin can be used as an excipient and filler in tablets or powders.

　　Depending on the production method and source of materials, the physical characteristics of dextrin vary slightly. In aqueous solution, dextrin molecules tend to aggregate with changes in temperature, density, pH, or other properties. Aging, gelation, or retrogradation of the dextrin solution causes an increase in viscosity, which is particularly noticeable for less soluble corn starch dextrin. Dextrin solutions exhibit thixotropy; viscosity decreases under shear and the solution thickens or gels upon standing. Residual acid from the preparation process can cause further hydrolysis and lead to gradual thinning of the solution. Residual acid (often present in less soluble dextrins, such as roasted dextrin) can also cause a decrease in viscosity during storage. To address these issues, low-solubility dextrins are often neutralized with ammonia or sodium carbonate in a cooled container.

　　Bulk materials should be stored in sealed containers in a cool, dry place.