Methylcellulose

Methylcellulose Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

Methyl cellulose polymer consisting of numerous linked glucose molecules used as a stabiliser, thickener and emulsifier for foodstuffs and cosmetics. The Degree of Substitution (DS) of a given form of methyl cellulose is defined as the average number of substituted hydroxyl groups per glucose with a theoretical maximum of 3, however more typical values are 1.3 2.6. Methyl cellulose is a hydrophilic white powder in pure form and dissolves in cold (but not in hot) water, forming a clear viscous solution or gel. It is available under a variety of trade names as a treatment for constipation. Like cellulose, it is not digestible, not toxic, and not allergenic

It increases the bulk in your stool, an effect that helps to cause movement of the intestines. It also works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making the stool softer and easier to pass.

Methylcellulose
Uses
Dosage
Side Effect
Precautions
Interactions
Uses during Pregnancy
Uses during Breastfeeding
Accute Overdose
Food Interaction
Half Life
Volume of Distribution
Clearance
Interaction With other Medicine
Contradiction
Storage

Trade Name	Methylcellulose
Availability	Rx and/or OTC
Generic	Methylcellulose
Methylcellulose Other Names	Cellulose methyl, cellulose methyl ether, Cellulose methylate, Methyl cellulose, methylated cellulose, Methylcellulose, Methylcellulosum, Metilcelulosa
Related Drugs	MiraLAX, Colace, docusate, Linzess, bisacodyl, senna
Weight	2g/19g, 500mg
Type	Oral powder for reconstitution, oral tablet
Groups	Approved
Therapeutic Class
Manufacturer
Available Country	United States
Last Updated:	September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am

Uses

Methylcellulose is a compound used as a bulk forming laxative and is not an approved medication.

Solutions containing methyl cellulose are used as substitute for tears or saliva if the natural production of these fluids is disturbed. It is also used or constipation, diverticulosis, hemorrhoids and irritable bowel syndrome. Used in the manufacture of capsules in nutritional supplements. Its edible and nontoxic properties provide a vegetarian alternative to the use of gelatin.

Methylcellulose is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Constipation, Dry Eye Syndrome (DES), Eye disinfection

How Methylcellulose works

Methylcellulose absorbs water in the gastrointestinal lumen thereby increasing the bulk of the stool. This leads to distension and stimulation of peristalsis. The ability of methylcellulose to absorb water may contribute to its efficacy in the management of diarrhea by once again increasing the bulk and consistency of the stool.

Toxicity

Organism: Mouse Test type: LD50 Route : Intraperitoneal Reported Dose: 275gm/kg ( 275000mg/kg) Toxic Effect: Details of toxic effects not reported other than lethal dose value

Organism: Mouse Test type: LDLo Route : Intravenous Reported Dose: 1gm/kg ( 1000mg/kg) Toxic Effect: Details of toxic effects not reported other than lethal dose value

Food Interaction

Take with a full glass of water.

[Moderate] ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Bulk-forming laxatives such as guar gum, psyllium, polycarbophil, or methylcellulose may affect the bioavailability of concomitantly administered substances due to their effect on the rate of gastrointestinal transit and gastric emptying.

MANAGEMENT: In general, oral medications should be administered at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after dosing of the bulk-forming laxative.

Methylcellulose Disease Interaction

Major: intestinal obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal obstruction disordersModerate: renal dysfunction

Volume of Distribution

accumulation in liver, spleen, lymph nodes, kidney, and vascular walls.

Elimination Route

Cellulose derivatives considered in this report are virtually unabsorbed and little or no degradation of absorbed and little or no degradation of absorbable products occurs in the human digestive tract. In humans, virtually 100 percent of orally ingested methyl cellulose can be recovered in the feces withihn four days, indicating that absorption does not occur.