Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose does not have a specific pharmacological target. It functions as a thickening agent, stabilizer, and excipient. In pharmaceutical and food applications, it increases viscosity, stabilizes emulsions, and acts as a binder or disintegrant in tablets. It is essentially non-toxic to animals.

In vitro, Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is characterized by its rheological properties. It is used to increase the viscosity of solutions and to stabilize emulsions. Its activity is measured by its ability to increase the viscosity of aqueous solutions, which is determined using a viscometer. It is also used as a stabilizer in foods and as a suspending agent in pharmaceuticals.

Preparation of 0.5% CMC-Na Solution
Measure 0.5g dry CMC-Na and dissolve it in 100 ml ddH2O or Saline (0.9 g NaCl in 100 ml ddH2O) to obtain a clear solution.
Note
1). Make sure that there is no solid-liquid separation in the CMC-Na solution. The solution is clear without particles in it.
2). Complete dissolution of CMC-Na may take 4 hours or longer.
3). According to literature reports, CMC-Na (oral;5% in water; 1 year) is well tolerated in rats[2].
4). The LD50 of CMC-Na in female mice is 14 g/kg body weight of mice, equivalent to 9.8 g/kg body weight of rat, and thus is categorized as practically non-toxic according to Loomis criteria (LD50 5-15g/kg body weight of rat)[3].
In vivo, Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is not used as a therapeutic agent. It is used as an excipient in pharmaceutical formulations, such as tablets, suspensions, and topical preparations. It is also used as a viscous polymer in artificial tears for the symptomatic relief of dry eyes.

The in vitro assay for Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is not a biological assay but a physicochemical one. Its viscosity is measured using a viscometer at a specific temperature and concentration. Its degree of substitution and purity are determined by titration or HPLC. Its ability to form films and gels can also be assessed.

In vitro cell culture studies are not typically performed with Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. However, its biocompatibility can be assessed by culturing cells on carboxymethyl cellulose-based hydrogels and measuring cell viability and proliferation. It is also used as a thickener in cell culture media for organoid culture.

We aimed to evaluate the effects of the barrier agent sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (SCMC) with and without dexamethasone for the prevention of postoperative adhesion formation in a rat model of postoperative peritoneal adhesion. A total of 160 three-month old male and female Wistar rats underwent a laparotomy, and adhesions were induced by ileocecal abrasion. Rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n=40 each): group A, untreated; group B, treated with SCMC only; group C1, treated with SCMC + 3 mg dexamethasone, and group C2, treated with SCMC + 8 mg dexamethasone. After 12 days, adhesion formation and histopathological changes were compared. In groups A, B, C1, and C2, the mortality rates were 10, 5, 5, and 5%, respectively. In groups C1 and C2, the adhesions were filmy and easy to dissect and were milder compared with those in groups A and B. The total adhesion score in group C1 (3.38±0.49) was significantly lower than that of group B (6.01±0.57; P<0.01) or group A (8.01±0.67; P<0.05). There was no significant difference in adhesion formation between groups C1 and C2. Compared with groups A and B, groups C1 and C2 exhibited milder histopathological changes. SCMC in combination with dexamethasone can prevent adhesion formation and is a better barrier agent than SCMC alone. The safety and feasibility of SCMC in combination with dexamethasone to prevent adhesion formation after abdominal surgery warrants further clinical study.[1]

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Mice were divided into ten groups of negative control (aquadest), positive control (standard Na-CMC), each four dose variances of uncrosslinked and crosslinked Na-CMC (1,75; 3,5; 7; and 14 g/kg body weight). Three female mice were used for each group. All mice were fasted approximately 18 hours prior to dosing, and water was provided continuously. Pharmacological screening was conducted prior to the oral administration. After the administration, the mice mortality was observed for 14 days. Then, the LD50 value was determined by probit analysis. Besides, all mice were observed for the sign of toxicity at 0.5; 1; 2; 4; and 24 hours after administration (effects on central nervous system: motor activity, forelimb grip strength, grasping, tremor, convulsion, catalepsy, sedative, straub tail, tail pinch, toe pinch, pineal response, respiration, and autonomic nervous system: piloerection, salivation, lacrimation, abnormal urination, diarrhea). The body weight was also observed daily for 14 days. Resulted data was analysed statistically[2].

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Experiment rats of both male and female Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups, each group consisted of 6 rats. Group-I was the normal group. Group-II negative control group received aquadest. Group-III positive control group received standard Na-CMC suspension (1.25 g/kg body weight). Group IV experimental group received crosslinked Na-CMC (1.25g/kg body weight). The animals were dosed daily for 28 days. Finishing the 28 days period, haematological test (erythrocyte, leukocyte, hemoglobin, hematocrit), blood biochemical analysis (SGOT, SGPT, creatinine, BUN), organ index determination (liver, kidney, lung, brain, heart, and stomach), histopathological examination of liver, kidney, and lung were done for each group. The organs were taken and fixed in Bouin for 48 hours. Specimens were prepared by dehydration, washing, infiltration, embedding, slicing with microtome, and staining with hematoxylin and eosin. Then, the specimens were placed on the glass slides and examined under a microscope with 100 times magnification[2].
In vivo animal experiments for Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose are not common for therapeutic testing. However, it is often used as a vehicle or suspending agent for the oral administration of test compounds in pharmacokinetic and toxicology studies, as it is inert and non-toxic. It may also be used in animal models of dry eye to test the efficacy of ophthalmic formulations.

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is a solid powder with a molecular weight that varies depending on the degree of polymerization. It is soluble in water, forming a clear, viscous solution. It is typically stored at room temperature in a dry place. Its stability is maintained under recommended storage conditions.

Toxicological data for Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose indicate that it is non-toxic and generally recognized as safe (GRAS). It is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and does not cause systemic toxicity. It is not intended for therapeutic use and is classified as a food additive and pharmaceutical excipient.

[1]. Dexamethasone and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose prevent postoperative intraperitoneal adhesions in rats. Braz J Med Biol Res. 2015 Apr;48(4):344-8.

[2]. Common Vehicles for Nonclinical Evaluation of Therapeutic Agents.

[3]. Toxicity Evaluation of Na-CMC synthesized from Cellulose of Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms).ISSN: 0975-8585.

A cellulose derivative belonging to the β-(1,4)-D-glucopyranose polymer family. It is used as a bulk-forming laxative, an emulsifier and thickener in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, and a stabilizer for reagents.
See also: Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (note moved to); Cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (note moved to)
Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is approved as a food additive and pharmaceutical excipient in many countries. It is widely used as a thickener and stabilizer in various applications. It is also used in artificial tears for the treatment of dry eyes. It is approved for use in some topical and ophthalmic products. It is not approved as a therapeutic drug.

C8H16NAO8

263.1976

240.084

C, 36.51; H, 6.13; Na, 8.73; O, 48.63

9004-32-4

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Viscosity:800-1200 mPa.s);9004-32-4;Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Viscosity:5000-15000 mPa.s);9004-32-4;Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (MW 250000);9004-32-4

6328154

White to off-white solid

1,6 g/cm3

274 °C (dec.)

158.350

6

8

5

17

169

0

[Na].O([H])C([H])(C([H])(C([H])([H])O[H])O[H])C([H])(C([H])(C([H])=O)O[H])O[H].O([H])C(C([H])([H])[H])=O |^1:0|

DPXJVFZANSGRMM-UHFFFAOYSA-N

InChI=1S/C6H12O6.C2H4O2.Na/c7-1-3(9)5(11)6(12)4(10)2-8;1-2(3)4;/h1,3-6,8-12H,2H2;1H3,(H,3,4)

cetic acid compound with 2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanal (1:1), sodium

Cellulose carboxymethyl ether sodium; Sodium CMC; CMC Na; Carboxymethylcellulose sodium, Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, Carboxymethyl cellulose sodium; Cellulose gum sodium, CMC salt, CMC sodium; SODIUM CARBOXYMETHYL CELLULOSE; sodium;2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanal;acetate; Carboxymethylcellulose sodium (USP); Carboxymethylcellulose cellulose carboxymethyl ether; Celluvisc (TN); CHEMBL242021; SCHEMBL25311455;

2934.99.9001

Powder      -20°C    3 years

                     4°C     2 years

In solvent   -80°C    6 months

                  -20°C    1 month

Note: Please store this product in a sealed and protected environment, avoid exposure to moisture.

Room temperature (This product is stable at ambient temperature for a few days during ordinary shipping and time spent in Customs)

DMSO : ~12.5 mg/mL
H2O : ~8.33 mg/mL