Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)

What is it?

Copovidone, an analog of povidone, is used as a tablet binder, a film-former, and as part of the matrix material used in controlled-release formulations. In tableting, copovidone can be used as a binder for direct compression and as a binder in wet granulation. Copovidone is often added to coating solutions as a film-forming agent. It provides good adhesion, elasticity, and hardness, and can be used as a moisture barrier.

Copovidone has better plasticity than povidone as a tablet binder, is less hygroscopic, more elastic, and better for film-forming applications than povidone. Copovidone is also used in cosmetics as a thickener, dispersant, lubricant, film-forming agent and binder. It is widely used in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry.^[1]

Copovidone is generally regarded as nontoxic. However, oral consumption of excessive quantities may produce stomach upset. It has not been shown to be sensitizing to the skin. Animal studies in rats and dogs do not show significant toxicity with high dietary levels.^[1]

The average molecular weight of copovidone is usually expressed as a K-value and it ranges between 45 and 70.^[2]