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Pharmaceutical Excipients
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Plasticizers

Catalog Number	Product Name	CAS No.	Inquiry
PI109433	Dibutyl Sebacate	109-43-3	Inquiry
PI126738	Tributyl Phosphate	126-73-8	Inquiry
PI8001794	Castor Oil	8001-79-4	Inquiry
PI84662	Diethyl Phthalate	84-66-2	Inquiry
PI84742	Dibutyl Phthalate	84-74-2	Inquiry
PI98201935	Sorbitol Solution	98201-93-5	Inquiry

Plasticizers are substances added to materials, especially polymers and films, to increase their flexibility, workability, and durability. In the pharmaceutical industry, plasticizers play a crucial role in the formulation of tablets, capsules, films, and coatings. By reducing the glass transition temperature of polymers, plasticizers allow materials to bend and stretch without cracking or breaking, which is essential for dosage forms that need mechanical stability and aesthetic appeal. In addition to improving flexibility, plasticizers can influence other properties, such as solubility, permeability, and dissolution rate of pharmaceutical products. Without plasticizers, many modern dosage forms would be prone to brittleness and poor mechanical performance. Therefore, their careful selection ensures that the final formulation maintains its integrity, stability, and performance throughout its shelf life.

Plasticizers Commonly Used in Pharmaceutical Formulations

Glycerin

Glycerin is a widely used polyol plasticizer in pharmaceuticals, commonly applied in soft gelatin capsules, suppositories, and oral liquids. It improves the flexibility and workability of polymers, is highly water-soluble, hygroscopic, and has low toxicity, making it a safe and effective excipient for various formulations.

Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs)

Polyethylene glycols, such as PEG 400 and PEG 600, are commonly used polymeric plasticizers. They are employed in tablet and capsule film coatings, as well as in liquid formulations as solubilizers and softening agents. PEGs are water-soluble, compatible with many polymers, and generally regarded as safe.

Propylene Glycol

Propylene glycol is a diol-type plasticizer used in capsules, suppositories, and oral liquids. It helps reduce the glass transition temperature of polymers, enhancing flexibility and processability. It is hygroscopic, miscible with water, and exhibits low toxicity in typical pharmaceutical applications.

Triacetin (Glycerol Triacetate)

Triacetin is an ester of glycerol and acetic acid, mainly used in tablet and capsule film coatings. It is a colorless, slightly viscous liquid that acts as a good solvent for hydrophobic polymers, improving film flexibility while maintaining stability and not affecting drug release.

Diethyl Phthalate (DEP)

Diethyl phthalate is a phthalate ester commonly used as a plasticizer in film-forming coatings and sustained-release formulations. It is effective at low concentrations, compatible with many cellulose derivatives, and helps reduce brittleness of polymeric films.

Dibutyl Sebacate (DBS)

Dibutyl sebacate is a fatty acid ester used as a plasticizer in enteric coatings and controlled-release formulations. It is lipophilic, non-volatile, stable, and helps improve the flexibility and mechanical properties of polymer films.

Sorbitol

Sorbitol, a sugar alcohol, is used as a plasticizer in soft gelatin capsules, chewable tablets, and syrups. It is hygroscopic, water-soluble, and enhances the pliability of polymeric matrices in formulations. It also acts as a humectant and sweetener.

Acetylated Monoglycerides

Acetylated monoglycerides are modified glycerides used primarily in soft gelatin capsules and as lipophilic plasticizers in polymer films. They improve flexibility and mechanical properties without significantly affecting dissolution or drug release.

Applications of Plasticizers

Film Coatings Formulation: Plasticizers enhance the elasticity of coating polymers, preventing cracks and peeling during manufacturing, storage, or handling. Additionally, they can improve coating smoothness and adhesion, resulting in visually appealing tablets with consistent dissolution profiles.
Soft Gelatin Capsules: Soft gelatin capsules rely on plasticizers like glycerol and sorbitol to impart flexibility to the gelatin shell. These compounds prevent brittleness, facilitate encapsulation of oils and liquid formulations, and maintain integrity during storage.
Oral Thin Films and Strips: Plasticizers are essential in oral thin films, ensuring flexibility and rapid dissolution. By adjusting the type and concentration of plasticizer, formulators can fine-tune the mechanical strength, texture, and disintegration time of strips.
Controlled-Release Systems: In controlled or sustained-release formulations, plasticizers influence polymer permeability and drug diffusion rates. By modifying polymer chains, they help achieve predictable drug release profiles while maintaining structural integrity.
Transdermal Patches: Plasticizers are incorporated in polymer matrices for transdermal patches, enhancing flexibility and adhesion to the skin. They prevent cracks, improve comfort, and ensure consistent drug delivery over prolonged periods.
Other Applications: Plasticizers are also used in chewable tablets, suppositories, and injectable implants where polymer flexibility or processability is crucial. Their role in stabilizing excipient matrices ensures product performance under various environmental conditions.

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At our company, we provide a wide range of high-quality pharmaceutical excipients, including a comprehensive portfolio of plasticizers. Our products are designed to meet the needs of various dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, oral films, and transdermal systems. We focus on excipients that meet stringent regulatory standards, ensuring safety, efficacy, and compatibility with active pharmaceutical ingredients. Our solutions are designed to help formulators enhance product flexibility, stability, and patient compliance, providing consistent performance in every batch.

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Plasticizers

Plasticizers Commonly Used in Pharmaceutical Formulations

Applications of Plasticizers

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