Alcohol gel: standardization of an alternative formulation in a University Pharmacy in Juiz de Fora, MG

Abstract

Due to the pandemic caused by the new coronavirus, the use of alcohol gel 70% (w/w), besides being highly recommended as a way to contain the infection by the virus, constituted a requirement for health establishments and others institutions with the circulation of people, as a preventive measure and protection of individual and collective health. The purchase of carbomer, the main polymer used in the preparation of alcohol gel 70% (w/w), has been a challenge. Thus, it is necessary to develop and standardize alternative formulations through the use of other gelling agents. In this way, cellulosic polymers (carboxymethylcellulose and hydroxyethylcellulose) and natural gum (xanthan gum) were evaluated in the present study. According to the obtained results, the formulation prepared with hydroxyethylcellulose was satis-dificulfactory in terms of appearance, viscosity, and pH. Also, the suggested process made the preparation of alcohol gel 70% (w/w) more agile, providing timely and effective service to the high demands and needs of the local health system.