ATTAPULGITE

Chemical Properties

solid

Chemical Properties

Attapulgite occurs as a light cream colored, very fine powder. Particle size ranges depend on the grade and manufacturer.

Uses

Worldwide attapulgite production in 1983 was estimated at about 1.1 million tons, of which 84% came from the United States. The primary use of attapulgite is as an animal waste absorbent (cat litter). Other important uses of attapulgite in the United States are as a component of drilling muds, as oil and grease absorbents, and in fertilizer and pesticide formulations.

Uses

Excipient.

Production Methods

Attapulgite occurs naturally as the mineral palygorskite.

Definition

A hydrated aluminum-magnesium silicate, the chief ingredient of fuller’s earth.

Hazard

Possible carcinogen.

Pharmaceutical Applications

Attapulgite is widely used as an adsorbent in solid dosage forms. Colloidal clays (such as attapulgite) absorb considerable amounts of water to form gels and in concentrations of 2–5% w/v usually form oil-in-water emulsions. Activated attapulgite, which is attapulgite that has been carefully heated to increase its absorptive capacity, is used therapeutically as an adjunct in the management of diarrhea.

Safety Profile

Suspected carcinogen with experimental neoplastigenic and tumorigenic data. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

Safety

Attapulgite is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations and is generally regarded as an essentially nontoxic and nonirritant material. It is not absorbed following oral administration. In oral preparations, activated attapulgite up to 9 g is used in daily divided doses as an adjunct in the management of diarrhea.

storage

Attapulgite can adsorb water. It should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry, location.

Incompatibilities

Attapulgite may decrease the bioavailability of some drugs such as loperamide and riboflavin. Oxidation of hydrocortisone is increased in the presence of attapulgite.

Regulatory Status

Included in nonparenteral medicines licensed in a number of countries worldwide including the UK and USA.