Skip Navigation

AIDSInfo logo

 
Home > Drugs > Hydroxyethyl cellulose

Hydroxyethyl cellulose
hye-drox-ee-ETH-il SELL-yoo-lose   Audio

Brand Name: Cellulosize  Audio
Drug Class: Microbicides
Hydroxyethyl cellulose, also known as HEC, is a gel-like substance that is a common ingredient in vaginal gels. Hydroxyethyl cellulose is not an active drug. Drugs to prevent and fight infection are mixed with hydroxyethyl cellulose so that they can be applied vaginally.

HIV/AIDS-Related Uses
Hydroxyethyl cellulose is often used as the placebo, or control, in studies of microbicides against HIV. It is sometimes used as a vehicle, or drug carrier gel, in products that contain active microbicides being studied. The effect of hydroxyethyl cellulose alone has been studied to make sure that it would be a good placebo or vehicle. These studies showed that hydroxyethyl cellulose was not active against HIV and was safe to use as a placebo in any microbicide study.

Dosage Form/Administration
Hydroxyethyl cellulose comes in a vaginal gel.

Contraindications
Individuals should tell a doctor about any medical problems before taking this medicine.

Possible Side Effects
Along with its desired effects, hydroxyethyl cellulose may cause some unwanted effects. Further study is needed to identify these side effects.

Drug and Food Interactions
A doctor should be notified of any other medications being taken, including prescription, nonprescription (over-the-counter), or herbal medications.

Clinical Trials
Click here to search ClinicalTrials.gov for trials that use Hydroxyethyl cellulose.

Manufacturer Information
Hydroxyethyl cellulose
  Union Carbide
  A Subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company
  39 Old Ridgebury Road
  Danbury,  CT  06817-0001
    

Cellulosize
  Union Carbide
  A Subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company
  39 Old Ridgebury Road
  Danbury,  CT  06817-0001
    
Updated December 9, 2008