In our hospital, hospital preparations of Azunol Saline Gargle (AS, saline solution containing 0.006% sodium gualenate hydrate), and Azunol Lidocaine Saline Gargle (ALS, AS with lidocaine) are used as a treatment for oral cancer with oral mucositis. However, little is known about the stability and microbiological safety of AS and ALS. In this study, the stability and microbiological safety of AS and ALS were assessed as the pH and the percent of sodium gualenate hydrate remaining in both preparations after exposure to various light and temperature conditions and the colony formation, respectively. As a result, we found that under fluorescent lamp lighting, AS and ALS were stable for 7 days at 4°C compared with 25t or room temperature. Furthermore, by light shielding, they were stable for at least 14 days at 4°C. Bacterial contamination of AS was prevented by preserving at 4°C for 14 days.
We have demonstrated the stability and microbiological safety of AS and ALS and established an appropriate preservation method. This study provides useful information regarding the management of oral mucositis in oral cancer patients.
