The aim of this study was to examine the effect of D -sorbitol on the gelation characteristics of methylcellulose in aqueous solution. The addition of D -sorbitol at concentrations of between 25 and 30% (w/v) to 1.0—2.0% (w/v) methylcellulose solutions reduced the gelation temperature from approximately 53 °C to values between ambient and 37 °C and increased the strength of the gel. The in vitro release of acetaminophen (paracetamol) from 2.0% (w/v) methylcellulose gels containing 20—30% (w/v) D -sorbitol gel was diffusion-controlled.