Microbiological stability of homeopathic medicines using purified water as vehicle

Authors

  • Amarilys de Toledo Cesar ABFH, HNCristiano
  • Virginia Teresa Cegalla ABFH, HNCristiano

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51910/ijhdr.v10i36.491

Keywords:

microbiology, homeopathic medicine, purified water

Abstract

Background: Homeopathic medicines are prepared in homeopathic pharmacies. This leads to freedom of prescription but requires more knowledge of the clinicians to achieve the best results. Preparations made of purified water receive a validity of 24 hours, but there are prescriptions for up to 30 days. This contradiction raises tensions among physicians, pharmacists and patients. Aims: to evaluate the increase in microbiological contamination in homeopathic medicines using purified water as vehicle compared with the microbiological stability of purified water. Contribute to the quality of homeopathic medicine and treatment. Methodology: daily microbiological analysis for one week to assess the growth of heterotrophic bacteria, Pseudomonas, yeasts and molds. The reference used was the USP 32/NF 27 and the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia 5th edition. Results: there was a higher growth of microorganisms on the medicine, compared with purified water. From the 2nd day on, this growth has been beyond the legal limits. Discussion: medicines for oral use are not sterile preparations, but they must remain stable during its shelf life. Our results indicate that contamination occurs from the earliest days of use. This shows the need to change the prescription in relation of the vehicle, to ensure hygiene and avoid potential contamination of the patient. It is necessary to prevent conflict of information between pharmacists and patients, and the contradiction of the doctor's advice, besides the potential risk of responsibility to be attributed to the pharmacy. It is necessary to promote a discussion between pharmacists and clinicians, to spread this information for those that prescribe. Conclusion: there was an increased of microbiological contamination of the medicines dispensed in purified water, which harms the quality of homeopathic medicine and homeopathic treatment.

Author Biographies

Amarilys de Toledo Cesar, ABFH, HNCristiano

ABFH, director

HNCristiano, pharmacist technical responsible, director

Virginia Teresa Cegalla, ABFH, HNCristiano

HNCristiano, pharmacist responsible for Quality

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Published

2021-12-23

How to Cite

Cesar, A. de T., & Cegalla, V. T. (2021). Microbiological stability of homeopathic medicines using purified water as vehicle. International Journal of High Dilution Research - ISSN 1982-6206, 10(36), 222–223. https://doi.org/10.51910/ijhdr.v10i36.491

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