Croscarmellose Sodium
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 2, 2023.
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is it?
Croscarmellose sodium, or sodium CMC, is a cross-linked polymer of carboxymethylcellulose sodium. It appears as white, fibrous, free-flowing powder, and is used commonly as an FDA-approved disintegrant in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Disintegrants facilitate the breakup of a tablet in the intestinal tract after oral administration. Cross-linking allows enhanced bioavailability of the drug through superior drug dissolution. Without a disintegrant, tablets may not dissolve appropriately and may effect the amount of active ingredient absorbed, thereby decreasing effectiveness.[1]
According to the FDA Select Committee on GRAS food substances, carboxymethylcellulose sodium is virtually unabsorbed. Caroxymethylcellulose sodium is generally regarded as safe when used in normal quantities.[2]
List of medications using Croscarmellose Sodium
- Acetaminophen 500 mg
- Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone Bitartrate 325 mg / 7.5 mg
- Acetaminophen Extended Release 650 mg
- Cetirizine Hydrochloride 10 mg
- Clonazepam 1 mg
- Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride 10 mg
- Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride 10 mg
- Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride 10 mg
- Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride 10 mg
- Diclofenac Sodium Delayed Release 75 mg
- Diclofenac Sodium Delayed Release 75 mg
- Eliquis 5 mg
- Escitalopram Oxalate 20 mg (base)
- Escitalopram Oxalate 10 mg (base)
- Famotidine 20 mg
- Ibuprofen 600 mg
- Ibuprofen 800 mg
- Lortab 10/325 325 mg / 10 mg
- Naproxen 500 mg
- Sildenafil Citrate 100 mg
References
- Dave RH. Overview of pharmaceutical excipients used in tablets and capsules. Drug Topics (online). Advanstar. 10/24/2008 http://drugtopics.modernmedicine.com/drugtopics/Top+News/Overview-of-pharmaceutical-excipients-used-in-tabl/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/561047. Accessed 08/19/2011
- FDA’s SCOGS database; corn starch, Report No. 977050-51-3, 1979.; ID Code: 72; http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/fcn/fcnDetailNavigation.cfm?rpt=scogsListing&id=72 Accessed October 17, 2011
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
