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Polyvinyl Alcohol
Product Details
Category
Coating Agents; Lubricant; Stabilizing Agents; Viscosity-increasing Agents
Molecular Formula
(C2H4O)n
Molecular Weight
20 000-200 000
Grade
Pharmceutical Excipients
Description
Polyvinyl alcohol occurs as an odorless, white to cream-colored granular powder.
UNII
532B59J990
Chemical Name
Ethenol, homopolymer
CAS Number
9002-89-5
Synonyms
Airvol; Alcotex; Celvol; Elvanol; Gelvatol; Gohsenol; Lemol; Mowiol; poly(alcohol vinylicus); Polyvinol; PVA; vinyl alcohol polymer
Administration route
Ophthalmic and oral
Dosage Form
Ophthalmic preparations and oral tablets
Stability and Storage Conditions
Polyvinyl alcohol is stable when stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place. Aqueous solutions are stable in corrosionresistant sealed containers. Preservatives may be added to the solution if extended storage is required. Polyvinyl alcohol undergoes slow degradation at 100℃ and rapid degradation at 200℃; it is stable on exposure to light.
Source and Preparation
Polyvinyl alcohol is produced through the hydrolysis of polyvinyl acetate. The repeating unit of vinyl alcohol is not used as the starting material because it cannot be obtained in the quantities and purity required for polymerization purposes. The hydrolysis proceeds rapidly in methanol, ethanol, or a mixture of alcohol and methyl acetate, using alkalis or mineral acids as catalysts.
Applications
Polyvinyl alcohol is used primarily in topical pharmaceutical and ophthalmic formulations.It is used as a stabilizing agent for emulsions (0.25-3.0% w/v). Polyvinyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity-increasing agent for viscous formulations such as ophthalmic products. It is used in artificial tears and contact lens solutions for lubrication purposes, in sustained-release formulations for oral administration, and in transdermal patches.Polyvinyl alcohol may be made into microspheres when mixed with a glutaraldehyde solution.
Safety
Polyvinyl alcohol is generally considered a nontoxic material. It is nonirritant to the skin and eyes at concentrations up to 10%; concentrations up to 7% are used in cosmetics. Studies in rats have shown that polyvinyl alcohol 5% w/v aqueous solution injected subcutaneously can cause anemia and infiltrate various organs and tissues. LD50 (mouse, oral): 14.7 g/kg LD50 (rat, oral): >20 g/kg
Incompatibilities
Polyvinyl alcohol undergoes reactions typical of a compound with secondary hydroxy groups, such as esterification. It decomposes in strong acids, and softens or dissolves in weak acids and alkalis. It is incompatible at high concentration with inorganic salts, especially sulfates and phosphates; precipitation of polyvinyl alcohol 5% w/v can be caused by phosphates. Gelling of polyvinyl alcohol solution may occur if borax is present.
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