Log in or create an account for full access to this data.
Create a free account or log in to use this tool.
Create a free account or log in to explore DrugBank data.
Hydroxyethyl cellulose is an ingredient used in formulations to alleviate irritation of the skin. Hydroxyethyl cellulose is a polysaccharide derivative with gel thickening, emulsifying, bubble-forming, water-retaining and stabilizing properties.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 1 reference
Interacts with the solid surface through hydrogen bonding to thicken and prolong the formation time of a water-retaining film. Hydroxyethyl cellulose acts as a drug carrier or microsphere to entrap other drug molecules and form a viscous gel-like dispersion, enabling drug diffusion across biological membranes.
- Primary indication
- For alleviating surface irritation in topical ocular administrations, such as artificial tear solutions.Curator reviewed
- Formula / weight
- C36H70O19 · 806.937 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 2015 · United States, 2020
- Also known as
- Cellulose hydroxyethyl ether · Cellulose hydroxyethylate · hydroxyethylcellulose · Hyetellose
Resolves to
DFJVHKAPIXJTSC-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESCC(O)COCC1OC(OC2C(COCC(C)O)OC(OCC(C)O)C(OCC(C)O)C2OCC(C)O)C(OCC(C)O)C(OCC(C)O)C1OCC(C)OWhat you can answer from here — as of July 17, 2026
Which companies are running trials of Hydroxyethyl cellulose, in which indications and phases, and which of those programs are still active?