Carbopol® 974P NF Polymer

Suitable applications: Oral and topical
Residual solvent: Ethyl acetate

Carbopol^® 974P NF polymer was introduced for use in oral and mucosal contact applications such as extended release tablets, oral liquids and bioadhesive formulations. It is a highly crosslinked polymer and produces highly viscous gels with rheology similar to mayonnaise.

Typical usage levels for achieving extended release characteristics in tablets manufactured by aqueous granulation are 5 – 10 wt.%, depending on the drug properties, co-excipients and processing parameters.

Drug release is affected by differences in the rates of hydration and swelling of the polymer hydrogel, which are largely defined by the crosslinker levels. Lightly crosslinked polymers, such as Carbopol^® 971P NF polymer tend to be more efficient in controlling drug release than highly crosslinked polymers such as Carbopol 974P NF polymer.

Powder and granular grade Carbopol^® polymers can be combined in a formulation to achieve various release profiles. The release rates can be modulated by incorporating the powder carbomer (Carbopol 971P NF or 974P NF polymers) in the granules and then blending with granular carbomer (Carbopol^® 71G NF polymer).

Additionally, Carbopol 974P NF polymer can be used to formulate viscous gels, emulsions and suspensions.