Caustic soda, with its strong alkaline properties, is one of the most important chemicals used in various industries, including the pharmaceutical and medical industries. There are many possibilities of using caustic soda in the pharmaceutical industry, especially in the production of medicine, as well as in medical purposes, including sterilizing equipment. In this article, we examine some of the uses of caustic soda in the pharmaceutical and medical industries. First of all, you need to be more familiar with this alkaline substance, for more information, refer to the caustic soda page.
caustic soda used in medicine and pharmaceutical industries
Caustic soda is used as a strong sterilizing agent as well as a strong descaler in the medical and pharmaceutical industries. On the other hand, caustic soda is very useful for adjusting the pH of chemical solutions and medicines. It is important to know that caustic soda is a strong alkaline substance and should be used with caution and properly in the medical and pharmaceutical industries. Also, for each specific application, there is a need to test and ensure its safety and efficiency. In the continuation of this article, we refer to the investigation of some applications of caustic soda in the medical and pharmaceutical industries.
Application of caustic soda in medicine
Caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) has important applications in the medical industry. This chemical compound is used as a strong disinfectant and cleaner. Also, caustic soda can be used in preparing chemical solutions and adjusting the pH of environments. In the following, we discuss some of the applications of caustic soda in the medical industry.
- Cleaning and disinfection
- Dental industry
- Skin related industries
Cleaning and disinfection
Caustic soda is used as a strong disinfectant in sterilizing and cleaning medical devices and medical equipment. Due to its strong alkaline properties, caustic soda can destroy microorganisms and bacteria.
Dental industry
In the dental industry, baking soda is used as an effective agent for cleaning and whitening teeth. With its corrosive power and alkaline property, this substance helps to clean and remove stains and deposits on the teeth. (Caustic soda is used in the production of baking soda)
Skin related industries
In skin-related industries such as the production of soaps, cosmetic creams and skin care products, caustic soda is used as a strong cleaner and disinfectant.
Caustic soda is widely used in medicine and pharmacy. In particular, it is used in the production of drugs such as aspirin, anti-bruising drugs and cholesterol-lowering drugs.
In urban water treatment facilities, caustic soda is used to control water acidity and help remove heavy metals from water. Caustic soda is also used to produce sodium hypochlorite, a water disinfectant.
OSHA has established guidelines and permissible exposure limits for workers in industries and facilities where sodium hydroxide materials are used. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has issued a Public Safety Information (FDA) authorization for the use of caustic soda as a food additive at levels less than 1 percent.
What is OSHA?
OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA is an American federal agency that manages and oversees safety, health, and the workplace. This organization was
established in 1970 and works to maintain and improve the conditions of workers in America. OSHA has a variety of responsibilities, including:
Development of occupational health and safety standards
OSHA sets standards that are necessary to maintain the health and safety of workers in the workplace. These standards include things like the use of safety equipment, management of hazardous chemicals, noise and height restrictions, etc.
Monitoring and Inspection
OSHA conducts regular inspections of workplaces to ensure that occupational health and safety laws and standards are being followed. They conduct inspections on a scheduled basis or in response to complaints and non-sustainable incidents.
Education and Awareness
OSHA offers training courses and awareness programs to develop and promote awareness of occupational health and safety. These programs help employers and workers implement the best health and safety practices in the workplace.
OSHA’s primary goal is to protect and promote the health and safety of workers in the United States. This organization, in cooperation with employers and workers, tries to reduce accidents and diseases related to the work environment, and applies legal punishments and fines in case of violation of laws and standards.
What is the FDA?
FDA stands for Food and Drug Administration. The FDA is a federal agency in the United States of America that is responsible for monitoring, regulating and controlling food, drug, cosmetic and health products in the United States. FDA’s primary mission is to protect and promote public health. To achieve this goal, the FDA has the following duties and responsibilities:
Approval and monitoring of pharmaceutical products
FDA is responsible for the approval and monitoring of drugs. Before releasing the drugs to the market, it checks their safety and effectiveness. It also carries out post-marketing drug surveillance activities to ensure that medicinal products are placed on the market with the least possible risks.
Approval and control of food products
FDA is responsible for the approval and control of food products. This includes reviewing food safety and quality, labels, nutrition claims, and manufacturing processes. The FDA sets strict standards and regulations to prevent food-related illnesses and health problems.
Supervision of cosmetic products
FDA is also responsible for supervision of cosmetic products. This includes reviewing the safety and efficacy of cosmetic ingredients, labels, claims, and manufacturing processes. FDA’s main goal in this area is to protect consumers and prevent the use of unhealthy or dangerous products.
In addition to these duties, the FDA is also responsible for overseeing clinical research on drugs and medical devices, and when necessary, taking legal action against violations of laws and regulations.
The use of caustic soda in the pharmaceutical industry
Sodium hydroxide is a strong chemical compound with alkaline properties. In the pharmaceutical industry, caustic soda is used as a pH regulator. Also, this compound is used as a cleaning and disinfecting agent. In the production processes of medicines, caustic soda is also used as an extraction agent. In general, caustic soda is used in the pharmaceutical industry due to its alkaline properties, pH adjustment, cleaning and material extraction.
Biological industries
In some biological processes, such as the production of fungal and microbial cells, caustic soda is used as a substance to adjust pH as well as to clean and sterilize the environment.
drug manufacturing
Caustic soda is also used in the production processes of some medicines. For example, in the production of stomach acid antacids, baking soda is used as an effective agent to adjust the pH of medicinal solutions. The list of some medicines that caustic soda is used in their manufacture is as follows:
- Methotrexate
- Esomeprazole magnesium
- Talmizartan
- Nitrofurantoin
- Risperdal M-Tab
- Pantoprazole
- Zyrtec
1. Methotrexate
Methotrexate is an anticancer drug used to treat certain types of cancer, including blood cancers (such as leukemia and lymphoma), breast cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis. This drug belongs to the family of antimetabolites, which works by metabolism and strengthening the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells.
Methotrexate damages cancer cells by inhibiting the enzymes needed to make folic acid and nucleotides. This drug interferes with the metabolism of cancer cells and stops their growth.
About the use of sodium hydroxide) in methotrexate, it should be said that in the final composition of the drug, caustic soda may be used as a pH adjusting agent. But in the process of making methotrexate, there is no direct use of caustic soda. Caustic soda is mostly used to adjust the pH of environments and provide suitable conditions for drug manufacturing, but it is not directly present in the final composition of methotrexate.
2- Esomeprazole magnesium
Magnesium Esomeprazole (Esomeprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor drug that is used to treat diseases related to increased stomach acid such as stomach ulcers, stomach pain, digestive estimations and some other disorders. By inhibiting the function of proton pumps in the stomach wall, this drug reduces the secretion of stomach acid and helps relieve symptoms and improve stomach diseases.
About caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) and its uses in esomeprazole, it should be said that caustic soda is used as a pH adjusting agent in the manufacturing process of this drug. In the production process of esomeprazole, caustic soda is used to determine and adjust the suitable alkaline environment for chemical reactions. This alkaline environment is very important for the production and purification process of esomeprazole.
Also, caustic soda can be used in the cleaning and sterilization processes of the environments and devices used in the production of esomeprazole. This disinfecting property of caustic soda can be used as a suitable cleaning agent in the pharmaceutical industry. Therefore, caustic soda is used in the production process of esomeprazole as a zone builder and pH regulator and also as a cleaning and disinfecting agent.
3- Talmizartan
Telmisartan is used alone or with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure increases the workload of the heart and blood vessels. If it continues for a long time, the heart and blood vessels may not work properly. It can damage blood vessels in the brain, heart, and kidneys, leading to stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. Lowering blood pressure can reduce the risk of stroke and heart attacks. Telmisartan is also used to reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes in patients age 55 and older who have diabetes or heart problems.
Telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It works by blocking a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to harden. As a result, telmisartan relaxes blood vessels. This lowers blood pressure and increases blood and oxygen to the heart.
4- Nitrofurantoin
Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections. This drug is mainly prescribed for the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTI) such as cystitis (bladder infection) and pyelonephritis (renal pelvis infection). By inhibiting antibacterial compounds in bacterial cells, nitrofurantoin inhibits their growth and proliferation.
About the use of caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) in the production of nitrofurantoin, it should be said that caustic soda as a pH adjusting agent may be used in the production process of this drug. It is important to adjust the pH of the manufacturing environment and the reaction that takes place in the nitrofurantoin production process. Caustic soda can also be used as a residual material in the nitrofurantoin production process. Therefore, caustic soda is used in the production of nitrofurantoin as a zone builder and pH regulator, as well as a cleaning and disinfecting agent.
5- Risperdal M-Tab
Risperdal M-Tab is an antipsychotic medication that contains the active ingredient Risperidone. This medicine is available in the form of orally disintegrating tablets. M-Tab tablets dissolve quickly in the mouth and can be consumed without the need for water or other liquids.
Risperidone therapy is used for some mental disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (bipolar disorder and bipolar depression) and autistic disorders. This drug acts as an antipsychotic and affects the nervous system. Caustic soda is used for cleaning and disinfection in the production line of this drug
6- Pantoprazole
Pantoprazole is an antacid drug that acts as a proton pump inhibitor. This drug is used to treat diseases of the stomach and intestines, including peptic ulcers, estimations, and gastric erythema. Caustic soda should be used to adjust the pH of solutions in the pantoprazole production process.
7- Zyrtec
Zyrtec is an antihistamine drug used to treat allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itching and watery eyes. The active ingredient of Zyrtec is Cetirizine, which acts on histamine receptors in the body and reduces allergy symptoms. Perc soda is used for cleaning and disinfection in the production line and for pH adjustment.
Conclusion
Caustic soda is a strong chemical that has many uses in various industries, including the pharmaceutical and medical industries. From the production of medicines to pH adjustment and the preparation of pharmaceutical raw materials, and from the disinfection of medical equipment and environments to the treatment of certain diseases, caustic soda plays an important role in medicine and drug manufacturing.
However, due to the strong alkaline nature of this substance, its use should be done with care and full supervision to minimize possible risks. Considering that the use of caustic soda can cause severe irritation and burns, we must have special clothes during work. Also, to use this substance in the production of medicine, it must comply with pharmaceutical standards.
Finally, due to the numerous applications of caustic soda in the pharmaceutical and medical industries, this substance is a requirement of these industries and will continue to play an important role in the future developments of this field. Arax Chemical Company produces caustic soda in a flakes form, for more information about the conditions of this product, contact the sales experts