Chemical Properties
white to almost white crystalline powder
Uses
excipient in cosmetics and X-ray contrast media
Definition
ChEBI: A hexosamine that is D-glucitol in which the hydroxy group at position 1 is substituted by the nitrogen of a methylamino group. A crystalline base, it is used in preparing salts of certain acids for use as diagnostic radiopaque media, whi
e its antimonate is used as an antiprotozoal in the treatment of leishmaniasis.
Production Methods
Meglumine is prepared by the imination of glucose and monomethylamine,
in an alcoholic solution, followed by catalytic
hydrogenation.
Brand name
Renovue
(Bracco).
General Description
Pharmaceutical secondary standards for application in quality control, provide pharma laboratories and manufacturers with a convenient and cost-effective alternative to the preparation of in-house working standards.
Meglumine is a glucose-derived secondary amine which is widely used as an excipient in pharmaceutical formulations.
Pharmaceutical Applications
Meglumine is an organic base used as a pH-adjusting agent and
solubilizing agent, primarily in the preparation of soluble salts of
iodinated organic acids used as X-ray contrast media.
Safety
Meglumine is widely used in parenteral pharmaceutical formulations
and is generally regarded as a nontoxic material at the levels
usually employed as an excipient.
LD50 (mouse, IP): 1.68 g/kg
storage
Meglumine does not polymerize or dehydrate unless heated above
150°C for prolonged periods.
The bulk material should be stored in a well-closed container in a
cool, dry place. Meglumine should not be stored in aluminum
containers since it reacts to evolve hydrogen gas; it discolors if
stored in containers made from copper or copper alloys. Stainless
steel containers are recommended.
Purification Methods
Crystallise N-methyl-D(-)-glucamine from MeOH. Its solubility in H2O is 10%. [Karrer & Herkenrath Helv Chim Acta 20 83 1957 also for other N-alkyl derivatives, Beilstein 4 IV 1914.]
Incompatibilities
Incompatible with aluminum, copper, mineral acids, and oxidizing
materials. Differential scanning calorimetry studies suggest meglumine
is incompatible with glipizide.
Regulatory Status
Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database (injections; oral
tablets). Included in parenteral medicines licensed in the UK.
