Products
Crospovidone (polyvinylpolypyrrolidone) is found in many drugs as an excipient, especially in tablets. Not to be confused with copovidone.
Structure and properties
Crospovidone is a cross-linked homopolymer of 1-ethenylpyrrolidin-2-one. It exists as a white to yellowish-white hygroscopic powder or as a leaflet and is practically insoluble in water. This is in contrast to the water-soluble polyvinylpyrrolidone. Depending on the particle size, two types are distinguished, type A and type B.
Effects
Crospovidone swells strongly when it comes into contact with water. However, it does not form a gel and is not absorbed in the intestine.
Indications for use
In tablets as a disintegrant. In melting tablets, it is present in higher concentration.
