SKIN SENSITIZATION AND PHOTOSENSITIZATION STUDIES OF HYDROPHOBICALLY MODIFIED HYDROXYPRORYL METHYLCELLULOSE IN GUINEA PIGS

Abstract

Skin sensitization and photosensituzation tests of hydrophobically modified hydroxypropyl methylcellulose(HM-HPMC), a new cellulose derivative used as a thickener for topical pharmaceuticals, were conducted using guinea pigs. An aqueous dispersion of HM-HPMC(3 w/v %)was applied in the tests. Skin reaction was not observed in any animal in the HM-HPMC-treated group or control group. In the photosensitization test, no skin reaction was found in any animal in the test-preparation group or the control group. It was concluded that the HM-HPMC dispersion does not exhibit skin sensitizing or photosensitizing activity under the condition of this test.