Pharmacel

Microcrystalline Cellulose, USP-NF, Ph. Eur., JP

Description
Pharmacel is the DFE brand of microcrystalline cellulose. We supply the 101 and 102 grades primarily intended for Wet Granulation and Direct Compression applications respectively.

Benefits
Pharmacel 101 is a fine particle size material. When used at about 20% in a Wet Granulation formulation it confers a range of benefits. The granulation becomes “robust” as the Pharmacel allows superior distribution of the water through the granulation. This promotes even granule growth and light granules for easy fluidization. Tablets made form these granules are typically easily disintegrated using conventional superdisintegrants even when hard tablets are compressed.

In Direct Compression Pharmacel 102 is a highly compactable material. The plastic defamation characteristics of MCC mean that very hard tablets can be produced at light compaction forces, extending tooling lifetime and solving problems with poorly compressible actives. In high dose Direct Compression applications Pharmacel 102 should be included in your formulation trials.

If Dry Granulation is your preference then Pharmacel 101 should be considered, especially in combination with SuperTab® 21AN. The combination of plastically deforming MCC with brittle anhydrous lactose (which does not suffer work hardening common to many filler binders) will allow optimal formulation and processing.

» Back to Overview