Sodium Starch Glycolate IP / BP / USP

Sodium Starch Glycolate is a widely used pharmaceutical excipient with the primary function of serving as a disintegrant in tablet and capsule formulations. It is a white to off-white, odorless, and tasteless powder with a fine, granular texture. Sodium starch glycolate is highly hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the environment.

Its role is crucial in ensuring that these solid dosage forms rapidly break apart and disintegrate when they come into contact with moisture or fluids in the gastrointestinal tract. This disintegration is essential for the drug’s dissolution and subsequent absorption in the body.

When a tablet or capsule containing sodium starch glycolate comes into contact with water or gastrointestinal fluids, the sodium ions within the compound cause it to swell and rapidly disintegrate. This swelling and disintegration help break down the tablet or capsule into smaller particles, exposing the active pharmaceutical ingredient for dissolution.

In addition to pharmaceuticals, sodium starch glycolate is used in the manufacturing of nutraceutical products, such as dietary supplements and vitamins, to ensure rapid disintegration and efficient absorption of nutrients.