Functional Category
Tablet and capsule disintegrant.
Applications in Pharmaceutical Formulation
Polacrilin potassium is a cation-exchange resin used in oral pharmaceutical formulations as a tablet disintegrant.(1–3) Concentrations of 2–10% w/w have been used for this purpose, although 2% w/w of polacrilin potassium is usually sufficient. Other polacrilin ion-exchange resins have been used as excipients to stabilize drugs, to mask or modify the taste of drugs, and in the preparation of sustained-release dosage forms(4) and drug carriers. Polacrilin resins are also used in the analysis and manufacture of pharmaceuticals and food products.
Description
Polacrilin potassium occurs as a cream-colored, odorless and tasteless, free-flowing powder. Aqueous dispersions have a bitter taste.
Stability and Storage Conditions
Polacrilin potassium and other polacrilin resins are stable to light, air, and heat up to their maximum operation temperature; see Table II. Excessive heating can cause thermal decomposition of the resins and may yield one or more oxides of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and/or amines. Polacrilin resins should be stored in well-closed containers in a cool, dry place.
Incompatibilities
Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, amines, particularly tertiary amines, and some other substances that interact with polacrilin resins.(5)
Safety
Polacrilin potassium and other polacrilin resins are used in oral pharmaceutical formulations and are generally regarded as nontoxic and nonirritant materials. However, excessive ingestion of polacrilin resins may disturb the electrolyte balance of the body.