Hydroxyethyl cellulose, also known as HEC, is a gel-like substance that is a common ingredient in vaginal gels. Hydroxyethyl cellulose is not an active drug. Drugs to prevent and fight infection are mixed with hydroxyethyl cellulose so that they can be applied vaginally.
HIV/AIDS-Related Uses
Hydroxyethyl cellulose is often used as the placebo, or control, in studies of microbicides against HIV. It is sometimes used as a vehicle, or drug carrier gel, in products that contain active microbicides being studied. The effect of hydroxyethyl cellulose alone has been studied to make sure that it would be a good placebo or vehicle. These studies showed that hydroxyethyl cellulose was not active against HIV and was safe to use as a placebo in any microbicide study.
Dosage Form/Administration
Hydroxyethyl cellulose comes in a vaginal gel.
Contraindications
Individuals should tell a doctor about any medical problems before taking this medicine.
Possible Side Effects
Along with its desired effects, hydroxyethyl cellulose may cause some unwanted effects. Further study is needed to identify these side effects.
Drug and Food Interactions
A doctor should be notified of any other medications being taken, including prescription, nonprescription (over-the-counter), or herbal medications.
Clinical Trials
Click here to search ClinicalTrials.gov for trials that use Hydroxyethyl cellulose.
Manufacturer Information
Cellulosize
Union Carbide
A Subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company
39 Old Ridgebury Road
Danbury, CT 06817-0001
Hydroxyethyl cellulose
Union Carbide
A Subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company
39 Old Ridgebury Road
Danbury, CT 06817-0001
Last Updated: December 9, 2008
Drug Description
Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) is a nonionic, water-soluble polymer that can thicken, suspend, bind, emulsify, form films, stabilize, disperse, retain water, and provide protective colloid action. [1]
References
[1] Dow Chemical Union Carbide Emulsion Systems Products: Cellulosize. Available at: http://www.dow.com/ucarlatex/prod/cello. Accessed 12/09/08.
HIV/AIDS-Related Uses
Hydroxyethyl cellulose is used as an inactive ingredient in the formulation of many vaginal microbicides. These microbicides are designed to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. Hydroxyethyl cellulose has been studied for use as a placebo gel in clinical trials of HIV microbicides. The use of hydroxyethyl cellulose gel as a universal placebo for HIV microbicide trials has been adopted, and the safety of this product is being evaluated further. [1]
References
[1] Res Hum Retroviruses 2005 Oct;21(10):845-53
Dosing Information
Mode of Delivery
Topical. [1]
References
[1] Res Hum Retroviruses 2005 Oct;21(10):845-53
Pharmacology
Hydroxyethyl cellulose is inactive against HIV.
Hydroxyethyl cellulose is being studied for its safety and use in clinical trials of microbicides. A proper base and placebo formulation is critical in the evaluation of safety and efficacy of active microbicide formulations. Efficacy of a microbicide would be underestimated if the placebo itself provided a degree of protection. A placebo with epithelial toxicity that increased susceptibility would cause an overestimation of microbicide efficacy. A useful placebo must be stable without altering the active drug, and it itself must be safe and well tolerated. A recent study demonstrated the safety, stability, inactivity, and efficacy of hydroxyethyl cellulose as a universal placebo for clinical trials of microbicides. [1]
References
[1] Res Hum Retroviruses 2005 Oct;21(10):845-53
Adverse Events/Toxicity
A recent study found hydroxyethyl cellulose was safe when used as a placebo or base in the clinical study of investigational microbicides. [1]
References
[1] Res Hum Retroviruses 2005 Oct;21(10):845-53
Clinical Trials
Click here to search ClinicalTrials.gov for trials that use Celulosa hidroxietílica.
Chemistry
CAS Name
Cellulose, 2-hydroxyethyl ether [1]
CAS Number
9004-62-0 [2]
Stability
Hydroxyethyl cellulose is sufficiently stable as a vaginal gel formulation. [3]
Solubility
Readily soluble in hot or cold water. [4]
References
[1] ChemIDplus Available at: http://chem.sis.nlm.nih.gov/chemidplus/chemidlite.jsp. Accessed 12/09/08.
[2] ChemIDplus Available at: http://chem.sis.nlm.nih.gov/chemidplus/chemidlite.jsp. Accessed 12/09/08.
[3] Res Hum Retroviruses 2005 Oct;21(10):845-53
[4] Dow Chemical Union Carbide Emulsion Systems Products: Cellulosize. Available at: http://www.dow.com/ucarlatex/prod/cello. Accessed 12/09/08.
Further Reading
Tien D, Schnaare RL, Kang F, Cohl G, McCormick TJ, Moench TR, Doncel G, Watson K, Buckheit RW, Lewis MG, Schwartz J, Douville K, Romano JW. In vitro and in vivo characterization of a potential universal placebo designed for use in vaginal microbicide clinical trials. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses. 2005 Oct;21(10):845-53.
An Imaging Trial of the Distribution of Topical Gel in the Human Vagina: Assessment of Bare Spots. Available at: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/show/ct/NCT00214812. Accessed 09/26/07.
Imaging Trial of the Distribution of Topical Gel in the Human Vagina: Enhanced MRI Techniques to Increase Resolution. Available at: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/show/ct/NCT00260767. Accessed 09/26/07.
Manufacturer Information
Cellulosize
Union Carbide
A Subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company
39 Old Ridgebury Road
Danbury, CT 06817-0001
Hydroxyethyl cellulose
Union Carbide
A Subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company
39 Old Ridgebury Road
Danbury, CT 06817-0001
Last Updated: December 9, 2008