Attapulgite

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.