Magnesium carbonate is a multifunctional material with a wide range of applications in the field of drug carriers. Its main applications are listed below:
1. Slow-release carriers:
Magnesium carbonate can be used as a slow-release carrier to control drug release by forming a complex with the drug or by physical barrier.
This slow-release mechanism can prolong the duration of drug action and reduce the fluctuation of drug concentration.
2. Acid neutralizer:
Magnesium carbonate can be used to neutralize gastric acid and hence acts as an acid neutralizer.
It neutralizes stomach acid by forming carbon dioxide gas and water with it, thus relieving heartburn and bloating.
3. Anti-diarrhea agent:
Magnesium carbonate acts as an antidiarrheal agent as it has adsorptive properties and absorbs water and gases from the intestines.
By reducing water, it helps to harden stools and reduce diarrhea.
4. Empowering agent:
Magnesium carbonate can be used as an excipient to improve the properties of pharmaceutical formulations such as flowability, compaction, disintegration and stability.
It can be used as filler, binder or disintegrant.
5. Carrier in suspensions and creams:
Magnesium carbonate can be used as a carrier in suspensions and creams to keep ingredients dispersed.
Its particulate structure provides a stabilizing scaffold that prevents ingredients from settling.
6. Contrast media:
Magnesium carbonate is used as a contrast media in X-ray and CT scans.
It visualizes organs and tissues by absorbing X-rays and creating contrast.
7. Medical-dental applications:
Magnesium carbonate is used in medical dentistry as an ingredient in dental restorative materials, dental impressions and toothpaste.
Advantages:
Relatively inexpensive and easily available
Good biocompatibility and low toxicity
Multifunctional and can be used in a wide range of pharmaceutical preparations
Improves therapeutic efficacy of medications and patient compliance.
Disadvantages:
May cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some cases
Low water solubility, may affect the solubility of certain drugs