Examination of Preparation Method and Storage Conditions for CMC-Na Solution.

Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC-Na) has been used in preparation in hospital pharmacies. It is not easy to prepare this solution because it is difficult to mix. We prepared it using various methods and examined the factors affecting its viscosity. In addition, we examined the bacterial contamination in sterilized and non-sterilized CMC-Na solutions under practical conditions.The preparation of CMC-Na solution using an electric mixer was determined to be the most practical method, and the viscosity was affected by several factors including mechanical stress arising during preparation, the concentration, and the storage temperature. Autoclaved CMC-Na solution was kept free from bacterial contamination during the period of general use, although its viscosity was slightly reduced.