Applications of Macrogols / Polyethylene Glycols – by KLK Kolb

KLK Kolb excipients, marketed under the Hedjuvan brand, are all produced at the Hedingen facility in Switzerland. These versatile excipients find extensive use in human, veterinary and biopharmaceutical industry. As surfactants, they play a crucial role in surface-to-surface interactions, including shear protection, solubilizing, and emulsifying. This makes them essential for maximizing the efficacy of active ingredients and optimizing the yield of biotechnical processes. As a result of this versatility, Hedjuvan excipients are utilized in nearly every dosage form, including tablets, capsules, syrups, ointments, injections, and more.

See the macrogols / polyethylene glycols products of KLK Kolb:

Applications of Macrogols / Polyethylene Glycols

Macrogols / Polyethylene Glycols are the Swiss army knife of excipients, used for a multitude of applications and functions across a wide range of pharmaceutical formulations. Known as macrogols in the European and Chinese Pharmacopoeias and as polyethylene glycols in the United States Pharmacopoeia, we simplify by referring to them as macrogols.

To meet international market requirements, all macrogols are tested according to both the European Pharmacopoeia and the United States Pharmacopoeia (except for Macrogol 3350). For selected grades, additional microbiological testing, such as TAMC/TAMC and bacterial endotoxins as well as lower limits for Dioxane, is conducted on each batch.

All Macrogols are manufactured in Switzerland according to GMP-EXCiPACT.

Find the Hedjuvan products here:

• Hedjuvan-MG300
• Hedjuvan-MG400
• Hedjuvan-MG600

Macrogols as Excipient in Oral Dosage Forms

Low molecular weight macrogols are excellent solvents, making them ideal for use in oral dosage forms such as syrups and drops. In tablet formulations, macrogols serve different roles, acting as binders and lubricants during the tableting process. Additionally, certain types of macrogols are used as coatings and/or anticaking agents, with the amount used depending on the specific function required.

Topical Applications

Macrogols are commonly used as ointment bases for creams and also function as solvents in these formulations.

Ophthalmic Applications

Macrogol is a widely used lubricant in eye drops.

Injectables

In many injectable liquids, such as vaccines, macrogols are employed as solvents and solubilizers.

Suppositories

Beyond their use as binders and lubricants in tablet processing, macrogols are also a primary base material for suppositories.

Find the Hedjuvan products here:

• Hedjuvan-MG1000
• Hedjuvan-MG1500
• Hedjuvan-MG3350
• Hedjuvan-MG4000
• Hedjuvan-MG6000

See the full brochure on Excipients – Hedjuvan here

(click the picture to download the brochure)

Source: KLK Kolb, brochure “Excipients – Hedjuvan“

FIND ALL HEDJUVAN PRODUCTS HERE

Read also the additional articles:

• Applications of Sorbitan Esters
• Applications of Polysorbates
• Applications of Macrogol Lauryl Ether (Polidocanol)