Alginic Acid

Synonyms: Acidum alginicum; E400; Kelacid; L-gulo-D-mannoglycuronan; polymannuronic acid; Protacid; Satialgine H8.

Description: Alginic acid is a tasteless, practically odorless, white to yellowishwhite, fibrous powder.

Chemical Name: Alginic acid

Release-modifying agent; stabilizing agent; suspending agent; sustained release agent; tablet binder; tablet disintegrant; tastemasking agent; viscosity-increasing agent

• Alginic acid is used in a variety of oral and topical pharmaceutical formulations.
• In tablet and capsule formulations, alginic acid is used as both a binder and disintegrating agent at concentrations of 1–5% w/w.
• Alginic acid is widely used as a thickening and suspending agent in a variety of pastes, creams, and gels; and as a stabilizing agent for oil-in-water emulsions.
• Alginic acid has been used to improve the stability of levosimendan.
• Therapeutically, alginic acid has been used as an antacid.
• In combination with an H2-receptor antagonist, it has also been utilized for the management of gastroesophageal reflux.

Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents; alginic acid forms insoluble salts in the presence of alkaline earth metals and group III metals with the exception of magnesium

Alginic acid is widely used in food products and topical and oral pharmaceutical formulations. It is generally regarded as a nontoxic and nonirritant material, although excessive oral consumption may be harmful. Inhalation of alginate dust may be an irritant and has been associated with industrially related asthma in workers involved in alginate production.

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Alginic acid may be irritant to the eyes or respiratory system if inhaled as dust. Eye protection, gloves, and a dust respirator are recommended. Alginic acid should be handled in a well-ventilated environment.

Ammonium alginate; calcium alginate; potassium alginate; propylene glycolalginate; sodium alginate.