Registration Number:CDE-F20240000725 
Chemical Name:Cellulose-2-hydroxyethyl ether
English Name:Hydroxyethyl Cellulose
Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number: 9004-62-0
Packaging Specifications:25kg/barrel

Function and Application:
Hydroxyethyl cellulose is a non-ionic, water-soluble polymer material widely used in pharmaceutical preparations. It is mainly used as a thickener in ophthalmic and topical preparations, and can also be used as a binder and film-coating material for tablets. Hydroxyethyl cellulose is also found in lubricants for dry eye, contact lenses, and dry mouth. The concentration of hydroxyethyl cellulose used in drug prescriptions varies depending on the solvent and the molecular weight grade used. Hydroxyethyl cellulose is also widely used in food and cosmetics.
Route of Administration: 
Ophthalmic; Otic; Topical; Oral
Stability and Storage Conditions:
Hydroxyethyl cellulose powder is hygroscopic but stable in nature. The aqueous solution of hydroxyethyl cellulose is relatively stable in the pH range of 2-12, and the viscosity of its solution does not change. At pH below 2, the stability is poor due to hydrolysis. Oxidation may occur at higher pH values. Increased temperature reduces the viscosity of hydroxyethyl cellulose aqueous solutions. However, the viscosity can be restored after cooling. Hydroxyethyl cellulose aqueous solutions can withstand freeze-thawing, high-temperature storage, and boiling without precipitation or gel formation. Hydroxyethyl cellulose is easily degraded by enzymes, reducing the viscosity of its aqueous solution. Many bacteria and fungi present in the environment can catalyze this degrading enzyme. Therefore, preservatives should be added to hydroxyethyl cellulose aqueous solutions for long-term storage. Hydroxyethyl cellulose aqueous solutions can be sterilized by autoclaving. Hydroxyethyl cellulose powder must be stored in sealed containers in a cool, dry place.
Safety:
Hydroxyethyl cellulose is mainly used in ophthalmic and topical preparations. Hydroxyethyl cellulose is generally considered non-toxic and non-irritating. Acute and subacute toxicity tests in rats showed that hydroxyethyl cellulose is non-toxic. Hydroxyethyl cellulose is not absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract of rats and cannot be hydrolyzed. Although hydroxyethyl cellulose can be used as an excipient in oral drug formulations, it has not yet been approved for direct use in food. 
Incompatibilities:
Hydroxyethyl cellulose is insoluble in most organic solvents. It is incompatible with corn protein. It can be partially compatible with the following water-soluble compounds: casein, gelatin, methylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, and starch. Hydroxyethyl cellulose can be mixed with many water-soluble antimicrobial preservatives. However, the addition of sodium pentachlorophenol can immediately increase the viscosity of the hydroxyethyl cellulose aqueous solution. Hydroxyethyl cellulose has good compatibility with dissolved electrolytes, although some salt solutions can cause it to precipitate.

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