| Chemical Properties | Glycofurol is a clear, colorless, almost odorless liquid, with a bitter
taste; it produces a warm sensation on the tongue. |
| Uses | Used as solvent to dissolve water-insoluble compounds. |
| Uses | Glycofurol is used as a carrier device for drug delivery. |
| Production Methods | Glycofurol is prepared by the reaction of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol
with ethylene oxide (followed by a special purification process in
the case of Glycofurol 75). |
| Pharmaceutical Applications | Glycofurol is used as a solvent in parenteral products for
intravenous or intramuscular injection in concentrations up to
50% v/v. It has also been investigated, mainly in animal studies,
for use as a penetration enhancer and solvent in topical and
intranasal formulations. Glycofurol has also been used at 20%
v/v concentration in a rectal formulation. |
| Safety | Glycofurol is mainly used as a solvent in parenteral pharmaceutical
formulations and is generally regarded as a relatively nontoxic and
nonirritant material at the levels used as a pharmaceutical excipient.
Glycofurol can be irritant when used undiluted; its tolerability is
approximately the same as propylene glycol.
Glycofurol may have an effect on liver function and may have a
low potential for interaction with hepatoxins or those materials
undergong extensive hepatic metabolism.
LD50 (mouse, IV): 3.5 mL/kg |
| storage | Stable if stored under nitrogen in a well-closed container protected
from light, in a cool, dry place. |
| Incompatibilities | Incompatible with oxidizing agents. |
| Regulatory Status | Included in parenteral medicines licensed in Europe. |
