For example: Methadone HCL 10 MG Tablet?
What does "HCL" stand for after the drug name?
Question posted by lmcollins on 5 Jan 2010
Last updated on 27 January 2013
4 Answers
kaismama
19 July 2014
Its hydrochloride. Its just identifying the chemical salt of the drug. Its not important so some don't use it in the name.
Stephen Treloar
20 July 2014
Lots of medications come as 'salts': hydrochlorides often have a fast action while sulfates are generally slower acting then there are citrates, and tartrates as well.
Inactive
27 Jan 2013
HCL (acid) is the hydrochloride form but more importantly the answer you seek concerns "is the acid form best for your application" HCL is the converted form of many compounds for shelf life extension and durability. HCL's are actually poor versions of their former self.
ErikArthurBlack
11 June 2010
Hydrochloride
Hydrogen (H) Chlorine (CL)
Used in the production of many medications in order to render them stable and soluble. With the base (the medication) it forms a salt that has a much longer life than the medication would have in its 'freebase' form.
Kten
9 Jan 2012
I thought HCL was used in IR or Instant release type of meds
mitjason
5 Jan 2010
It stands for Hydrochloride. Most drugs have HCL following the drug name. Hope this helps! See the following links for more info:
Drug names and their salts:
https://www.drugs.com/article/pharmaceutical-salts.html
What is hydrochloride?
https://www.drugs.com/answers/what-is-hydrochloride-182585.html
Kten
11 Jan 2012
what is Hydrochloride then?
Inactive
28 Jan 2013
HCL is the medical friendly, water and acid soluablle, salt version of an amine. Amines are converted to a salt form for their standardized and predictable rates of solubiliy and absorption. Think of HCL's as though you were making a glass of koolaid. You want the koolaid to dissolve easily and quickly as well as dispersrse evenly in the water. You don't want clumps or undissolved pieces etc.when you stir it up. HCL's accomplish this, thereby enabling them to be handled easily and administered evenly and efficently.
Related topics
methadone, hydrochloride, medication, pharmacist, drug
Further information
- Methadone uses and safety info
- Methadone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Methadone (detailed)
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