Attapulgite occurs as a light cream colored, very fine powder. Particle size ranges depend on the grade and manufacturer.
Nonproprietary Names
BP: Attapulgite
Synonyms
Actapulgite; Attaclay; Attacote; Attagel; attapulgus; palygorscite; palygorskite; Pharmsorb Regular.
Chemical Name and CAS Registry Number
Attapulgite [12174-11-7]
Empirical Formula and Molecular Weight
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.
Functional Category
Adsorbent.
Applications in Pharmaceutical Formulation or Technology
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.
Method of Manufacture
Attapulgite occurs naturally as the mineral palygorskite.
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