A nonionic water-insoluble surfactant used as cosurfactant in oral lipid-based formulation SEDDS and SMEDDS. Cosurfactant and solubilizer in topical dosage forms associated with skin penetration enhancement.
Names & synonyms
| USP NF Name | Propylene glycol monolaurate (type I) |
|---|---|
| EP Name | Propylene glycol monolaurate (type I) |
| UNII Code (FDA) | 40KT317HGP |
| Preferred Substance Name (FDA) | PROPYLENE GLYCOL LAURATES |
| Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients | Propylene glycol monolaurate |
| Chemical description | Consists of propylene glycol mono- and di- esters of lauric (C12) acid |
Key characteristics
| Product form | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Viscosity (mPa.s) | 15 - 40 (20°C) |
| HLB | 5 |
Main functionalities
Solubilizer for poorly-soluble APIs and bioavailability enhancer. Co-surfactant in LFCS Type II (SEDDS) and Type III (SMEDDS) formulations.
Solubilizer and skin penetration enhancer. Co-surfactant for microemulsion in topical formulation.
Safety of use is inferred by precedence of use in approved pharmaceutical products.
Main formulation technologies
Self-emulsifying lipid formulation for oral applications. Topical emulgel, microemulsion.
Resources
Technical documentation
Brochures
Associated content
Excipients for solubility and bioavailability enhancement
Poor solubility, poor permeability, and pre-systemic elimination are factors that…
Selecting penetration enhancers, for transdermal delivery
To overcome the skin barrier properties, many strategies exist, among which the use…