Sodium Starch Glycollate

Sodium Starch Glycolate (SSG) as per IP or USP is the sodium salt of a carboxymethyl ether of starch or of a cross-linked carboxymethyl ether of starch. It may contain a maximum of 7.0% of Sodium Chloride.

The distinguishing features of pH & assay requirements for Type A & B are as follows :

Type of SSG	pH	% Sodium, combined as SSG
A	5.5 to 7.5	2.8 to 4.2
B	3.0 to 5.0	2.0 to 3.4

Super Disintegrant Action

Structure of sodium starch glycollate

a. Crosslinked using POCl₃ / Sodium Phosphate etc.
b. Non - Phosphorus Crosslinking

Sodium starch glycolate (SSG) is a super disintegrant due to its exceptional ability to promote the rapid disintegration of tablets & capsules when they encounter water or gastrointestinal fluids.

Factors that contribute to classification of SSG as a super disintegrant

• High Swelling Capacity : SSG has a high swelling capacity when exposed to aqueous media. Upon contact with water or gastric fluids, it rapidly absorbs water and swells, leading to a significant increase in volume. This swelling action generates internal pressure within the tablet or capsule, causing it to disintegrate quickly into smaller particles.
• Rapid Water Uptake : SSG exhibits rapid water uptake kinetics, meaning it absorbs water quickly. This property allows it to initiate the disintegration process promptly, facilitating the release of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Effective Disintegration & Bioavailability : SSG effectively breaks down the tablet or capsule matrix into smaller fragments, promoting uniform dispersion of the drug particles in the dissolution medium. This enhances the surface area available for drug dissolution and absorption, leading to improved bioavailability.
• Wide pH Range : SSG maintains its disintegration efficiency over a wide pH range, including acidic conditions present in the stomach. This broad pH tolerance ensures consistent performance across different physiological environments encountered during drug administration.
• Versatility and Compatibility : SSG is compatible with a variety of drug substances and excipients, allowing its incorporation into various pharmaceutical formulations without adversely affecting stability or efficacy. Its versatility makes it suitable for use in different dosage forms, including immediate-release tablets, orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs), and pediatric formulations.
• Synergistic Action : SSG can work synergistically with other disintegrants, and excipients commonly used in tablet formulations, such as crospovidone and Croscarmellose sodium (LACROSE-PG). The combination of different disintegrants can further enhance disintegration efficiency, making SSG an integral component of formulations aiming for rapid drug release.
• SSG is extensively used in pharmaceutical formulations & approved by regulatory authorities worldwide. Its safety & efficacy as a super disintegrant has been well-established.