Is propylene glycol a stabilizer or an excipient in pharmaceuticals?
Publish Time: 2025-03-31
Propylene glycol, as a transparent and colorless chemical reagent, has been widely used in pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics and other industries due to its unique physical and chemical properties. Especially in the pharmaceutical field, propylene glycol plays a pivotal role. It can be used as both a stabilizer and an excipient. The specific function often depends on the nature of the drug and production requirements.
The role of propylene glycol as a stabilizer
In the pharmaceutical process, propylene glycol is often used as a stabilizer. Its role is to increase the stability of the drug and prevent the drug from decomposing, oxidizing or other adverse reactions during storage or use. The stabilizing effect of propylene glycol is mainly reflected in the following aspects:
Increase drug solubility: propylene glycol can form a stable solution with a variety of drug ingredients, increase the solubility of the drug, and thus ensure the stability of the drug during preparation and storage.
Prevent drug crystallization: In some cases, the drug may crystallize due to changes in environmental conditions (such as temperature and humidity). Propylene glycol can prevent drug crystallization and maintain the uniform dispersion of the drug.
Antioxidant effect: Propylene glycol has certain antioxidant properties, which can prevent drugs from deteriorating due to oxidation during storage.
Application of propylene glycol as an excipient
In addition to being a stabilizer, propylene glycol is often used as an excipient in pharmaceutical preparations. Excipients are a general term for other ingredients in pharmaceutical preparations other than the main drug. Their main function is to give the drug a certain shape, texture and stability, which is convenient for the preparation, storage and use of the drug. The application of propylene glycol as an excipient is mainly reflected in the following aspects:
Solvent effect: Propylene glycol has good solubility and can dissolve a variety of drug ingredients. It is a common solvent for making various ointments and salves.
Thickening and lubricating effect: In pharmaceutical preparations, propylene glycol can be used as a thickener and lubricant to improve the texture and taste of the drug and improve the patient's comfort when taking the drug.
Excipient and molding effect: Propylene glycol can be used together with other excipients to make drugs into tablets, capsules and other dosage forms through a specific process, which is convenient for patients to use.
The dual role of propylene glycol
In fact, in the pharmaceutical process, the stabilizer and excipient roles of propylene glycol are not completely separate. In some cases, propylene glycol may play both roles at the same time. For example, when making certain ointments or salves, propylene glycol not only acts as a solvent to dissolve the drug ingredients, but also prevents the drug from deteriorating during storage through its stabilizing effect; at the same time, it can also be used as one of the excipients to give the drug a specific form and texture together with other ingredients.
In summary, propylene glycol can be used as a stabilizer to increase the stability of the drug, and as an excipient to improve the texture and dosage form of the drug in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The performance of its dual role depends on the nature of the drug and the production requirements. When using propylene glycol, its safety and effectiveness should be fully considered to ensure the quality of the drug and the safety of the patient's medication.
