Film Coating Agents

Film coating agents play a pivotal role in pharmaceutical formulations, contributing to the protection, appearance, and overall performance of coated tablets. Typically composed of polymers like hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) or ethyl cellulose, these agents offer several scientific insights and interesting facts:

1. Protective Barrier: This protective barrier enhances the stability and shelf life of the enclosed medication.

2. Controlled Drug Release: This precision is crucial for controlling the release of the active ingredient, ensuring optimal therapeutic effects.

3. Enteric Coatings: Enteric coatings dissolve in the higher pH of the intestines, facilitating targeted drug release and minimizing gastric irritation.

Did you know?

A significant breakthrough occurred in the 1930s when A. I. Sivak, a Ukrainian pharmacist, pioneered the development of film-coated tablets. He introduced the concept of using cellulose derivatives as film-forming agents, a practice that laid the foundation for modern film coating