The Key Role of Pharmaceutical Grade Glycerin in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Introduction:
Chemist Carl Scheele discovered glycerol in 1779, and not long after, scientists learned of its indispensable role in human metabolism. What makes this chemical so special? It is a naturally occurring molecule in all plant and animal fats! They owe their structure and integrity to glycerides, which form a glycerol-based backbone of sorts. So, glycerin/glycerol is 100% natural in its most primal form. While industry can obtain glycerol from literally anywhere, companies prefer to use vegetable glycerin almost exclusively.
Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a versatile and widely used ingredient in the pharmaceutical industry. Its safety profile is well-established, making it a reliable component in various medicinal products. Pharmaceutical-grade Glycerin (Emunil), compliant with the USP standards, is a purified solvent with a minimum assay of 99.5%. It is commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry as a moisturizer, stabilizer, suppository base, and in various formulations such as tablets, creams, and ointments. Here are some reasons why glycerin is considered safe for use in medicine:
- Low Toxicity: Glycerin has low acute toxicity, meaning it does not cause harm in small amounts. This makes it suitable for use in a wide range of pharmaceutical products without posing significant health risks. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies glycerin as “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) for use in food, drugs, and cosmetics. This approval indicates that glycerin has been extensively tested and found to be safe for consumption and topical use. If one were to come into contact with large, bulk quantities of glycerin, eye irritation may occur. Skin irritation is unlikely unless the skin is damaged where contact occurs. Inhalational toxicity is low due to low volatility, but prolonged, excessive ingestion can cause elevated blood sugar or fat levels in the blood.
- Humectant Properties: Emunil is a humectant, which means it attracts water and helps retain moisture. This property makes it useful in skin care products and medications to keep tissues hydrated and prevent dryness.
- No Genotoxic Effects: Studies have shown that glycerin does not cause genetic mutations or cancer, further supporting its safety in medical applications.
- Versatility: Emunil is used in various products, including cough syrups, liquid medicines, skin care products, and even intravenous medications. Its ability to improve the smoothness and taste of medicines makes it a valuable ingredient in pharmaceutical formulations.
- Compatibility: glycerol, is highly compatible with a wide range of substances, making it a versatile ingredient in various formulations. It can be easily incorporated into various formulations, including oral solutions, suspensions, creams, ointments, and suppositories.
- Solvent: Refined glycerin of pharmaceutical quality (Emunil) serves as a solvent for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and various other elements in the formulation of medications. It helps to improve the absorption capability and uniformity of drug substances, ensuring consistent dosing.
Applications of Pharmaceutical Grade Glycerin:
- Excipient in oral solutions: Emunil acts as a solvent and carrier for active ingredients, ensuring their uniform distribution in liquid formulations such as syrups, elixirs, and tinctures. Glycerin helps improve the palatability of these medications, making them more acceptable to patients, especially children. Additionally, it helps to maintain mouth moisture in oral care products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, and mouth spray.
- Wound healing products such as ointments, gels, and bandages: Pharmaceutical grade glycerin is a valuable ingredient in bandages and wound healing products due to its moisture-retaining, emollient, antimicrobial, and healing-enhancing properties. Its compatibility with other ingredients makes it an essential component in various wound care formulations, contributing to faster and more effective healing.
- Some injectable substances, such as intravenous (IV) solutions and injectable medications: In injectable medications, pharmaceutical grade glycerin is used as a solvent and stabilizer. It helps dissolve active pharmaceutical ingredients that are not easily soluble in water. Glycerin’s compatibility with various drugs ensures the stability and effectiveness of the formulations.
- Topical formulations: Emunil acts as a Moisturizer, humectant, and emollient in topical formulations such as creams, lotions, ointments, gels, and balms.
- Ophthalmic Solutions: In ophthalmic solutions, glycerin is used as a lubricant and humectant to relieve dry eyes and irritation.
Conclusion:
Pharmaceutical grade glycerin (Emunil) is an indispensable ingredient in the pharmaceutical industry, offering a wide range of applications in oral, topical, injectable, and ophthalmic formulations. Its non-toxic nature, excellent solubility, and moisturizing properties make it a valuable component in various medicinal products1. The versatility and safety of glycerin ensure its continued use in developing innovative and effective healthcare solutions.
To purchase Pharmaceutical Grade Glycerin from Padideh Shimi Jam Company, please contact our sales experts.
References:
https://www.monarchchemicals.co.uk/
