Question

Manucol is also known as

• A. Sodium alginate
• B. Alginic acid
• C. Carbopol
• D. Guargum

Hint:

Sodium alginate (Manucol) is widely used in formulations requiring gel formation and sustained release due to its biocompatibility and non-toxicity.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Manucol is a brand name commonly used for sodium alginate, which is a salt of alginic acid derived from brown seaweed. Sodium alginate is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations as a gelling agent, thickener, stabilizer, and viscosity enhancer. It is especially important in antacid and wound dressing products due to its gel-forming properties upon contact with water or gastric acid. Key points about sodium alginate (Manucol): - It forms a viscous gum or gel in aqueous solutions. - Used in controlled release formulations, topical gels, and as an excipient in tablets and suspensions. - Differs from alginic acid, which is the acidic precursor and less soluble. Other options: - Alginic acid is the acid form, not the sodium salt. - Carbopol is a synthetic polymer used as a thickening agent, not related to alginates. - Guar gum is a different natural polysaccharide from guar beans, used as a thickener.