Product Details
Category
Emulsifying Agents; Skin Penetrant; Tablet and Capsule Lubricant
Molecular Formula
C14H28O2
Grade
Pharmceutical Excipients
Description
Myristic acid occurs as an oily white crystalline solid with a faint odor.
Chemical Name
Tetradecanoic acid
Synonyms
Edenor C14 98-100; n-tetradecanoic acid; 1-tridecanecarboxylic acid
Administration route
Oral
Dosage Form
Oral capsules
Stability and Storage Conditions
The bulk material should be stored in a well-closed container in a cool, dry, place.
Source and Preparation
Myristic acid occurs naturally in nutmeg butter and in most animal and vegetables fats. Synthetically, it may be prepared by electrolysis of methyl hydrogen adipate and decanoic acid or by Maurer oxidation of myristyl alcohol.
Applications
Myristic acid is used in oral and topical pharmaceutical formulations. Myristic acid has been evaluated as a penetration enhancer in melatonin transdermal patches in rats and bupropion formulations on human cadaver skin. Further studies have assessed the suitability of myristic acid in formulations and clobetasol 17-propionate topical applications. Furthermore, polyvinyl alcohol substituted with myristic acid (as well as other fatty acids) at different substitution degrees has been used for the preparation of biodegradable microspheres containing progester one or indomethacin.
Safety
Myristic acid is used in oral and topical pharmaceutical formulations and is generally regarded as nontoxic and nonirritant at the levels employed as an excipient. However, myristic acid is reported to be an eye and skin irritant at high levels and is poisonous by intravenous administration. Mutation data have also been reported. LD50 (mouse, IV): 0.043 g/kg LD50 (rat, oral): >10 g/kg
Incompatibilities
Myristic acid is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and bases.