Carbomer

Carbomer is a type of molecule which is usually obtained by the insertion of Carbon units in a certain molecule. It is a polymer of acrylic acid crosslinked with a polyfunctional molecule or compound such alkyl ethers of sucrose and/or pentaerythritol. [1]

It is also referred to as polyacrylic or polyacrylate.

Types of Carbomers:
In the National Formulary, there are six types of carbomers' monographs:
1. Carbomers 910
2. Carbomers 934
3. Carbomers 934P (The suffix "P" shows that this is a highly purified product and can be used orally). [2]
4. Carbomers 940
5. Carbomers 941
6. Carbomers 1342 [1]

Properties of Carbomers:[2]
1. White powder (Fluffy)
2. Hygroscopic
3. Soluble in water
4. pH of 1% aquous dispersion is 2.5 to 3.0
5. Incompatible with phenol and resorcinol
6. Products of Carbomers are sensitive to light

Uses:
It is mostly used as a suspending agent in Pharmaceutical industry. They are also used as gelling agents at the concentration of 0.5 to 2.0 % in water. [1]

References:
[1]Page # 2444, Encyclopedia of Pharmaceutical Technology by James Swarbrick.

[2] 18.18, Part 4 Pharmaceutical necessities, A Practical Guide to Contemporary Pharmacy Practice by Judith E. Thompson and Lawrence Davidow.

Further Reading:
A Practical Guide to Contemporary Pharmacy Practice by Judith E. Thompson and Lawrence Davidow

The National Formulary X : Tenth Edition

Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference, 35th Edition: Book and CD-ROM Package

Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy

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