General Description
Synonyms: Airvol; Alcotex; Celvol; Elvanol; Gelvatol; Gohsenol; Lemol; Mowiol; poly(alcohol vinylicus); Polyvinol; PVA; vinyl alcohol polymer.
Description: Polyvinyl alcohol occurs as an odorless, white to cream-colored granular powder.
Chemical Name: Ethenol, homopolymer
Functions
Coating agent; lubricant; stabilizing agent; viscosity-increasing agent.
Uses
Polyvinyl alcohol is used primarily in topical pharmaceutical and ophthalmic formulations
It is used as a stabilizing agent for emulsions (0.25–3.0% w/v).
Polyvinyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity-increasing agent for viscous formulations such as ophthalmic products.
It is used in artificial tears and contact lens solutions for lubrication purposes, in sustained-release formulations for oral administration, and in transdermal patches.
Polyvinyl alcohol may be made into microspheres when mixed with a glutaraldehyde solution.
Incompatibilities
Polyvinyl alcohol undergoes reactions typical of a compound with secondary hydroxy groups, such as esterification. It decomposes in strong acids, and softens or dissolves in weak acids and alkalis. It is incompatible at high concentration with inorganic salts, especially sulfates and phosphates; precipitation of polyvinyl alcohol 5% w/v can be caused by phosphates. Gelling of polyvinyl alcohol solution may occur if borax is present.
Safety
Polyvinyl alcohol is generally considered a nontoxic material. It is nonirritant to the skin and eyes at concentrations up to 10%; concentrations up to 7% are used in cosmetics. Studies in rats have shown that polyvinyl alcohol 5% w/v aqueous solution injected subcutaneously can cause anemia and infiltrate various organs and tissues.
Handling Precautions
Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Eye protection and gloves are recommended. Polyvinyl alcohol dust may be an irritant on inhalation. Handle in a well-ventilated environment.