Lady Caro Eze through the IDF NGO WhatsApp platform shared her view on the mystery and misery of contemporary sanitizers read below

A tale of the sanitizers currently in the market are very diverse.

What comes to my mind as a PHARMACIST is actually why Nigerians capitalize on such sympathizing opportunities to cheat on fellow citizens.

First, sanitizers are antiseptic preparations alcoholic or esterified in nature to clearly reduce load of injurious organisms as bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa, etc.

Secondly, their contents depends on the target organisms. What this means is that the content and their quantities for bacteria are different from those of viruses much as they differ from those of protozoa and fungi, etc, which CAN NEVER be used interchangeably. This makes it a DRUG!

Miserably, what we see today is a means of chance to extort, especially in areas with less professionals.

My Experience Yesterday

While on my assignment to ensure we sensitize the public and equip them on the knowledge and importance of self care against the dreaded COVID 19, it shocked me the kind of hand sanitizers I saw. Indeed, we are in for trouble.

Its oily nature looks like a hexane extract whose miscibility with other components is near impossible.

Its water portion is simply water, sadly!

Its other constituents are starchy filtrates from grinded and macerated cassava or corn. Too bad for the common man.

It eventually gave a product whose use leaves you with a hand that simulates a pair of hand that was used to enjoy the uncontrollable juice from an extremely ripe mango. An experience we had in childhood. Very terrible.

My Take

There are WHO approved specifications for making Pharmaceuticals and consumables e.g. sanitizers. The major ingredients are Isopropyl Alcohol or Ethanol (percentage depends on kind of infection i.e. those against viruses will differ from those against bacteria), glycerine, water and a thickener like carbomer or glycol (saturated or unsaturated).

The water based alcohol-derived sanitizers are stable, better used as sprays which can be used against inanimate surfaces and finger nails as it is the case in COVID 19. Its stable under light and temperature not above 61°C.

The gel based alcohol-derived sanitizers are equally good but best against bacterial, fungal and protozoal infections. Sadly, they can't be sprayed on surfaces and door handles but can be used as hand rubs.

Indeed, the SKILLS of a LICENSED PHARMACIST is very key and cardinal in the outcome and stability of your sanitizers as the PHARMACIST considers the gamut of steps and all other factors.

Finally, much as its time to be careful, be careful the kind of sanitizer you buy.

May God waive this infection from our hands, Amen!

Pls feel free to call or inbox me before you buy any. Will advice appropriately.

Let's know if you also wanna buy a quality sanitizer.

Thanks to the PHARMACY DEPT, JUTH, ECWA CENTRAL PHARMACY, FACULTY OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, UNIJOS, the NMA INTER-PROFESSIONAL RESPONSE TEAM AND BhUTH PHARMACY.

Ask A PHARMACIST ABOUT YOUR SANITIZER.

Cheers!

#STAY_SAFE!