Types of Thickening Agents used in Dispensing Pharmacy

Thickening agents can be classified as follows:

1. Polysachharide:

a. Natural agents:

i. Acacia
ii. Tragacanth
iii. Starch
iv. Sodium alginate

b. Semi-synthetic agents:

i. Methylcellulose
ii. Carboxymethyl cellulose
iii. Hydroxyethyl cellulose
iv. Microcrystalline cellulose

2. Inorganic agents:

a. Clays:

i. Bentonite
ii. Hectorite
iii. Aluminium Magnesium silicate

b. Aluminium hydroxide

3. Synthetic compounds:

a. Carbomer
b. Colloidal silicon dioxide

Further reading:
Pharmaceutical Compounding And Dispensing (Includes video clips CD-ROM)

Pharmaceutical Dispensing