Abstract
Cellulose derivatives, gelatin, and carbomers are the most used excipients for extemporaneous preparation of mucilages and gels. This article discusses the cellulose derivatives.
The pharmacopoeial and best known brand names, the essential physico-chemical properties, viscosity values of 2 % water dispersions, dispersion techniques are specified, also some examples of the wrong prescriptions still used in practice are mentioned. Cellulose derivatives should be named according the pharmacopoeia, not using the brand name, and delivered to the pharmacy with a declared value of viscosity, furthermore other characteristics important for compounding of mucilages and gels.
Regarding the excipients the pharmacist should modify the prescriptions and choose such procedure of compounding to get not only the effective and stable drug, but also the preparation of the consistency suitable for the prescribed method of dispensing and way of application.