What Are The Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Side Effects

What are the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose side effects? HPMC has several side effects. However, lets first understand what it is. HPMC is a cellulose ether that, on average, has both high tensile strength and viscosity. It is often used as a thickener and emulsifier, as it quickly disperses in water. It is also soluble in most organic solvents and is generally nontoxic.

HPMC has many properties valuable to the pharmaceutical industry for tablet coatings and capsules, particularly:

l Rapid dissolution of active ingredients

l Controlled release of active ingredients

l Wetting and binding agents

l Protective colloid.

HPMC acts as a disintegrant and binder, helping tablets keep their shape and increasing the apparent sweetness of taste of medications that contain sugars, such as those tablets that contain xylitol or Maltitol.

In food products, HPMC maintains moisture which helps resist crystallization (and melting) while keeping thawed substances from developing an undesirable texture. It also acts as a film former and viscosity enhancer when used in ice cream, salad dressings, and sauces.

HPMC is also helpful in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries for wetting and binding agents (it helps control how much "drag" there is when applying a product), protective colloids (it protects certain ingredients from chemical degradation), and suspending/dispersing agents (it can efficiently suspend small particles in liquids).

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Side Effects

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose side effects are broad and varied. From mild scalp irritation to more dangerous conditions. The uses of this product should be well understood before you try it. If you have any skin concerns or general health concerns, always consult your doctor before using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. Here are the side effects of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

Skin Irritation

This product was first used as a safer alternative to plastic for use in diapers. Its ability to absorb large amounts of liquid led to its use in numerous other products, including the lining of tampons and spermicidal jellies, lubricants, and even diuretics. During this period, it became apparent that many individuals were having problems with skin irritation caused by exposure to hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or HPMC.

Spermicides containing Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose contain chemicals like nonoxynol-9 (N-9) which can be irritating when applied directly to the skin. It is believed that these irritations are generally caused by the chemical reaction between the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and the body's natural moisture.

Reports of Systemic Reactions to HPMC

In some cases, consumers have reported that the use of a product containing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose resulted in skin rashes, digestive problems such as diarrhea or nausea, and even more severe systemic reactions. Again, these side effects are reported to appear most commonly when N-9 is present in the products containing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

Effects on Kidneys and Bladder

There have also been several cases where using products with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose has led to urinary tract infections which required hospitalization for treatment with Antibiotics. This has led to the belief that these infections were partly caused by the breakdown of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose into toxic chemicals to cells lining the bladder and urinary tract.

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose may be a Carcinogen

There have also been reports of increased cancer rates in workers exposed to hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. There are more than 14 known cases of bladder cancers, particularly among long-term employees who had direct exposure to the product. Some evidence suggests that chemicals released during the breakdown of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose can cause genetic mutations, which Lead to cell growth and may be directly linked to cancer development.

Hemorrhaging or Damage to Blood Vessels

There have even been cases where products containing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose caused individuals with bleeding disorders like hemophilia or other types of bleeding tendencies like dermatitis or surface wounds to bleed excessively, leading to hospitalization or death.

Heart Attacks and Stroke

There have been several reports of individuals suffering from upper respiratory infections or other bacterial infections who began taking medication to help their conditions only to suffer heart attacks shortly after that. There is some speculation that this has in part come from the use of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose containing spermicidal jellies and lubricants, which may lead to inflammation and irritation of cardiovascular tissue, causing a heightened risk for heart attack and stroke.

Long-Term Risks

There have also been cases where individuals with existing medical conditions such as diabetes or Lupus used hydroxypropyl methylcellulose containing spermicidal jellies or lubricants. In some cases, it worsened the symptoms, leading to hospitalization and even death in at least one case, which involved an older woman with a weakened immune system already suffering from cancer of the kidney and spine. The cause of death was reported as respiratory failure due to laryngeal edema. However, many believe it might have been related at least partially to a massive leukocytosis (excessive number of white blood cells).

Symptoms of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Side Effects

Side effects are the unwanted symptoms that appear after you have taken medication. The side effects of this drug are most commonly mild and transient, meaning they usually subside rapidly or may disappear entirely once your body gets used to the drug. However, if you feel any of these symptoms persist for a long time, it is advisable to see your doctor immediately. Here are some common side effects:

l Nausea

l Itching

l Dizziness

l Bloating

l Stomach upset

l Liver problems

l Headaches

l Bowel intestinal disorder

l Vomiting

l Pancreatitis

l Skin reactions

l Diarrhea