Name: Attapulgite
CAS No: Attapulgite [12174-11-7]
BP: Attapulgite
Actapulgite; Attaclay; Attacote; Attagel; attapulgus; palygorscite; palygorskite; Pharmsorb Regular.
Attapulgite [12174-11-7]
Attapulgite is a purified native hydrated magnesium aluminum silicate consisting of the clay mineral palygorskite, with the empirical formula Mg(Al0.5–1Fe0–0.5)Si4O10(OH)4H2O
See Section 4.
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
Attapulgite occurs as a light cream colored, very fine powder. Particle size ranges depend on the grade and manufacturer
See Table I. See also Section 17.
Acidity/alkalinity pH = 9.5 (5% w/v aqueous suspension) Angle of repose 37.2–45.28 (1) Density 2.2 g/cm3 Density (tapped) 0.33 g/cm3 (1) Flowability 20.9–29.6% (Carr compressibility index)(1) Particle size distribution <2 mm in size for powder; 2–5 mm in size for aggregate.(1)
Attapulgite can adsorb water. It should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry, location.
Attapulgite may decrease the bioavailability of some drugs such as loperamide(2) and riboflavin.(3) Oxidation of hydrocortisone is increased in the presence of attapulgite.(4)
Attapulgite occurs naturally as the mineral palygorskite.
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.(5) LD50 (rat, IP): 0.34 g/kg
Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Eye protection, gloves, and a dust mask are recommended. Attapulgite should be handled in a wellventilated environment and dust generation should be minimized. When heated to decomposition, attapulgite emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
Included in nonparenteral medicines licensed in a number of countries worldwide including the UK and USA.
Activated attapulgite; magnesium aluminum silicate. Activated attapulgite Comments Activated attapulgite is a processed native magnesium aluminum silicate that has been carefully heated to increase its adsorptive capacity. Monographs for activated attapulgite are included in the BP 2009, USP 32, and other pharmacopeias. The USP 32 also includes a monograph for colloidal activated attapulgite.
The EINECS number for attapulgite is 302-243-0.