{"id":9520,"date":"2026-08-10T13:36:04","date_gmt":"2026-08-10T13:36:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/?post_type=docs&p=2142"},"modified":"2026-08-21T11:47:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-21T11:47:00","password":"","slug":"a-solution-classic-rivanol-solution-ii","status":"publish","type":"docs","link":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/en\/dokumanlar\/antiseptic-antibacterial-antifungal-antiviral\/a-solution-classic-rivanol-solution-ii\/","title":{"rendered":"A Solution Classic \u2019RIVANOL SOLUTION\u2019 II"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
<\/div>\n
\n

Dear colleagues, I cannot imagine a pharmacist who has not prepared a Rivanol solution. Indeed, during our student years at the faculty in laboratories, or in our community pharmacies, or in the laboratories of the hospital where we worked if we were hospital pharmacists, we have certainly prepared this solution at least once. Although I previously published this seemingly simple-to-prepare solution in my dedicated column on Eczac\u0131n\u0131n Sesi on 16.12.2012, I have designated this preparation as the article of the week due to various recent debates regarding the calculation of the ingredient quantities in the solution. I believe this article will put an end to the ongoing debates. Serving as an answer to questions from our colleagues responsible for prescription audits at the SSI (SGK), this article also carries importance in terms of refreshing what we already know.<\/p>\n

RIVANOL SOLUTION – ETHACRIDINE LACTATE SOLUTION – SOLUTIO ETHACRIDINI LACTATIS<\/p>\n

Rp<\/p>\n

Ethacridini lactas \u2026\u2026\u2026 0.1 g<\/p>\n

Aqua \u2026..\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026ad \u2026100.0 g<\/p>\n

If we examine the active substance in the formula;<\/p>\n

Rivanol-<\/strong>Ethacridine lactate-Acrinol-Rivanolum-6,9-diamino-2-ethoxyacridine;<\/strong> It is a yellow acridine dye. While sparingly soluble in alcohol, it dissolves in 15 parts of water. Rivanol is an antibacterial*<\/strong> and neutral antiseptic<\/strong>* substance exhibiting a bactericidal effect on many bacterial species. (antibacterial*:<\/strong> Acting against bacteria by destroying them or preventing their growth.)-(antisepsis*:<\/strong> Prevention of infection by destroying infection-causing microorganisms or preventing their growth.) The pH of its 2% aqueous solution ranges between 5.5 and 7.0. While its 0.01-0.2% solutions or ointment forms are used as skin antiseptics, 1\/2000 and 1\/1000 solutions have been used against gonorrhea. It is also used externally as a gargle for throat antisepsis and in ointment form for certain dermatoses. It exerts a potent bactericidal effect, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria. Rivanol interferes with DNA synthesis by intercalating between base pairs in the bacterial DNA helix. Its antibacterial effect depends on this disruption of DNA synthesis. According to the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur. 7), ethacridine lactate monohydrate is a yellow crystalline powder. It must be protected from light. Rivanol should be stored between 15-30\u00b0C in airtight containers.<\/p>\n

Contact of Rivanol with the eyes should be avoided; if powder or solution contacts the eyes, they should be rinsed immediately with plenty of water. It is unknown whether Rivanol is harmful to the fetus in the womb. Likewise, it remains unclear whether Rivanol passes into breast milk or causes harm to a nursing infant.<\/p>\n

The preparation of the formula should be as follows: <\/strong><\/p>\n

After distilled water is boiled for about 10 minutes and cooled, rivanol is added, and the resulting yellow solution should be filtered through fluted filter paper, stored in a dark glass bottle for 1 week (maximum 10 days), and prepared freshly when it is to be used. Although rivanol dissolves more easily in hot water, since it degrades quickly in hot water, it will be more appropriate to dissolve it after waiting for the water to cool.<\/p>\n

Now, before moving on to the breakdown of the formula that causes prescription deductions due to non-standard practices of our colleagues reviewing prescriptions at the SSI (SGK), I would like us to recall the concept of “solution”.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Solutions are homogeneous (single-phase) mixtures prepared by mixing two or more substances, dissolved or dispersed in equal proportions throughout. Physicochemically, the concept of a solution is broader.<\/p>\n

According to this definition, it is the homogeneous dispersion of a solid, liquid, or gas within another solid, liquid, or gas. In pharmacy, solutions are designated with synonyms such as solution, solutio, liquor, and liqueur. A large proportion of preparations in pharmacy are in solution form. Aromatic waters, potions, syrups, parenteral solutions, gargles, drops, etc., are preparations used as solutions.<\/p>\n

Reasons for preferring solution-type preparations:<\/strong><\/p>\n

1) They offer an advantage as they are easier to take compared to solid dosage forms and are suitable for pediatric use.<\/p>\n

2) Solution-type preparations are absorbed more readily.<\/p>\n

3) Since they are homogeneous systems, dosing can be administered more uniformly.<\/p>\n

4) Their production is easy and inexpensive.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

Despite these advantages, their disadvantages can be listed as follows:<\/strong><\/p>\n

1) Storage and transportation are difficult.<\/p>\n

2) The unpleasant odor and taste of certain active substances cannot be masked in solution-type preparations.<\/p>\n

3) Their stability is low because they undergo hydrolysis or oxidation very rapidly.<\/p>\n

4) Accurate dosing cannot always be achieved by the patient.<\/p>\n

5) They are suitable media for microbial growth.<\/p>\n

Therefore, they cannot be stored for long periods.<\/p>\n

In solution-type mixtures, there is a solute component and a solvent component. The predominant component is defined as the solvent<\/em>. The dissolved component is termed the solute<\/em>.<\/strong> In true solutions, the solute is completely dissolved in the dissolution medium and is invisible to the naked eye (e.g., sucrose solution). In true solutions, the chemical properties of the solute do not change after dissolution. Solvents that exert no chemical effect on the solute are called inert solvents<\/em>.<\/strong> In true solutions, if the solute is previously ground into a powder, agitated, or heated, its dissolution is facilitated. Solubility is an important parameter for solutions. The physicochemical properties of substances exert various effects on solubility. Solubility varies depending on temperature increase, the nature of the solvent, agitation, or the nature of the solute.<\/p>\n

Solutions in which an equilibrium is established between the dissolved solute and the solvent are called “saturated solutions”<\/em><\/strong>. The state where the solution contains an amount of substance in excess of the solubility constant at a specific temperature is “supersaturation”<\/em>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The weight in grams of the solute dissolved in a saturated solution prepared at a specific temperature<\/p>\n

is expressed as the concept of solubility, and its unit is g\/L.<\/p>\n

Types of solutions<\/strong> generally include:<\/p>\n

1) Gas in gas,<\/p>\n

2) Gas in solid,<\/p>\n

3) Gas in liquid,<\/p>\n

4) Liquid in liquid,<\/p>\n

5) Solid in liquid.<\/p>\n

In this article, we will discuss liquid-in-liquid solutions frequently used in Pharmacy, as well as solid-in-liquid solutions, which are also commonly used and form our topic.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In “liquid in liquid” solution types, two liquids are not always expected to be completely miscible with each other. However, there are liquids that mix in all proportions. For example, ethanol-water, water-glycerin, and alcohol-ether are liquids miscible with each other. Ethanol and water mix in all proportions, and this mixture is important in pharmacy. Likewise, a water-glycerin mixture is used as a vehicle in compounding medications. However, there are also immiscible liquids such as water-ether and water-chloroform. These types of solution forms are also used in pharmacy.<\/p>\n

The other type of solution is “solid in liquid”. It is widely used in pharmacy. Numerous factors such as stirring, temperature, modifying pH, grinding the solid substance, etc., affect the solubility of a solid in a liquid, and by properly altering these factors, solubility can be increased.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Preparation of Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n

Solutions can be classified according to their preparation methods as:<\/p>\n

1) Those prepared by simple mixing,<\/p>\n

2) Those prepared as a result of a chemical reaction,<\/p>\n

3) Those prepared by extraction.<\/p>\n

Those prepared by the first method are also defined as simple solutions. Here, the solid substance is dissolved in a liquid. For example;<\/strong><\/p>\n

Boric acid solution, iodine solution, and the rivanol solution that forms the subject of this article.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the second<\/strong> preparation method group, these are solutions where two or more solid substances dissolve in an appropriate liquid to produce the active substance through a chemical reaction.<\/p>\n

Aluminum subacetate solution can be given as an example.<\/p>\n

Those prepared by the third<\/strong> preparation method are solution types prepared by extraction.<\/p>\n

In this group, drugs of plant or animal origin are extracted with water or other water-containing substances. They are then filtered and used. Belladonna extract and Hyoscyamus extract can be given as examples.<\/p>\n

In most preparations in solution form compounded in pharmacy, a dissolution process is performed. In a formula prepared as a solution, the exact amounts of both the solvent and the solute(s) dissolved in the solvent must be specified. Here, the unit for weight measurements is generally given as g (sometimes milligram or microgram), and for volume measurements as ml (sometimes liter or microliter).<\/p>\n

In the Turkish Pharmacopoeia (1974), the term ‘part’ used to denote the degree of solubility of a substance indicates the number of ml of solvent required to dissolve 1 g of solid or 1 ml of liquid. When the solubility capacity of a pharmaceutical substance is not precisely known, the following values are provided to indicate the degree of solubility:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Solubility Definitions<\/strong><\/p>\n

Amount of Solvent Required for 1 Part of Solute (Parts)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Very soluble <1<\/p>\n

Freely soluble 1-10<\/p>\n

Soluble 10-30<\/p>\n

Sparingly soluble 30-100<\/p>\n

Slightly soluble 100-1000<\/p>\n

Very slightly soluble 1000-10000<\/p>\n

Practically insoluble >10000<\/p>\n

Expression of Concentrations as Percentage (%);<\/strong><\/p>\n

The amount of active substance contained in a pharmaceutical formula is expressed as a percentage (%) concentration. Amounts are indicated according to weight (w) or volume (v) values. In other words;<\/p>\n

a) The amount of active substance in 100 g of sample in grams is expressed as (w\/w) or (g\/g)<\/p>\n

b) The amount of active substance in 100 ml of sample in grams is expressed as (w\/v) or (g\/ml)<\/p>\n

c) The amount of active substance in 100 ml of sample in volume is expressed as (v\/v) or (ml\/ml).<\/p>\n

If the percentage concentration definition in a solution is not specified in the ways defined above, the following definitions are generally understood in evaluations:<\/p>\n

1- For formulas prepared by mixing solid within solid, it is considered prepared in % (w\/w) or (g\/g),<\/p>\n

2- For formulas prepared by dissolving a solid substance in liquid, it is considered prepared in % (w\/v) or (g\/ml),<\/p>\n

3- For formulas prepared by dissolving a liquid in liquid, it is considered prepared in % (v\/v) or (ml\/ml) concentrations.<\/p>\n

Explanations and examples regarding these definitions:<\/p>\n

Example regarding expressions of concentrations as percentage (w\/w):<\/strong><\/p>\n

What is the amount of active substance required for 30 g of an ointment containing 1.5% (w\/w) erythromycin?<\/p>\n

1.5 x 30 \/ 100 = 0.45 g<\/p>\n

Example regarding expressions of concentrations as percentage (w\/v):<\/strong><\/p>\n

Although the calculation of formulas prepared in the form of (w\/w) or (v\/v) by weighing or volumetrically measuring both the solvent and the solute substances is quite simple, different calculations and procedures are required to prepare a solution in the form of (w\/v) at a specific volume and concentration. The reason for this situation is that the displacement value of a substance dissolved in the preparation within the solvent is not precisely known. Therefore, it is practically impossible to determine the final volume of a preparation prepared from a substance of a specific weight and a solvent of a specific volume. <\/strong>In practical work, a volumetric make-up must be performed after the dissolution process.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Because many physicians request a specific weight of substance in a specific volume of solution in their prescriptions, the use of solutions in the % (w\/v) form is more frequently observed in practice. Solutions in this case are defined as “the amount in grams of the substance dissolved in 100 ml of the preparation”.<\/p>\n

What is the amount of substance required to prepare 200 ml of 0.01% (w\/v) rivanol solution?<\/p>\n

The concentration of the preparation is 0.01% (w\/v).<\/p>\n

The rivanol amount required for 200 ml is 0.01\/100 = X\/200 X = 200 x 0.01 \/ 100 = 0.02 g.<\/p>\n

During preparation, the substance is weighed and dissolved in a small amount of water; sufficient water is added to the formula until the volume of the preparation reaches 200 ml.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Example regarding expressions of concentrations as percentage (v\/v):<\/strong><\/p>\n

Since a gargle formula contains 0.1% (v\/v) peppermint oil, what is the amount of oil required for 80 ml in this formula?<\/p>\n

According to the prescription, the amount of oil in the preparation is at a ratio of 1 ml per 1000 ml. To calculate the amount within 80 ml:<\/p>\n

From the proportion 1\/1000 = X\/80, X = 80 x 1 \/ 1000 = 0.08 ml.<\/p>\n

Dear colleagues, in light of this information, if we look at the incoming questions;<\/p>\n

“Hello, when entering the rivanol solution into the system, there are 2 entries:<\/strong><\/p>\n

1 g rivanol 1 g rivanol<\/strong><\/p>\n

999 g distilled water and 1000 g distilled water<\/strong><\/p>\n

I am hesitant about which one is correct. During preparation, we prepare it with boiled and cooled water. Can we enter it as a solution prepared with heat, or should we enter it as a solution prepared cold…?”<\/strong><\/p>\n

Since we cannot see how the formula is written on the prescription, when entering into the system, the entry should be made with the amounts of the substances given above, and of course, we must enter it as a solution prepared with heat.<\/u><\/p>\n

If the formula I specified while writing the article is written on the prescription:<\/p>\n

Rp<\/p>\n

Ethacridini lactas \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026 0.1 g<\/p>\n

Aqua \u2026..\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026 ad 100.0 g<\/p>\n

Here, it will be appropriate to enter 99.99 g aqua, 0.1 g rivanol into the system. This solution is in (w\/w) form, and the total mass must not exceed 100 g. As known, the abbreviations ad or ym<\/strong> in Latin mean ‘up to …’ or ‘complete up to …’.<\/p>\n

If the prescription is written in solid-in-liquid (w\/v) solution weight form:<\/p>\n

Rp<\/p>\n

Ethacridini lactas \u2026 0.1 g<\/p>\n

Aqua \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026. 100.0 ml<\/p>\n

In this formula, 0.1 g rivanol and 100 ml aqua should be calculated.<\/p>\n

If we look at another formula:<\/p>\n

Rp<\/p>\n

Ethacridini lactas \u2026 0.1 g<\/p>\n

Aqua \u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026ad.\u2026 100.0 ml<\/p>\n

This formula is the notation form that causes the most debate. It is in (w\/v) form, and when we add 0.1 g rivanol solution into 100.0 ml water, the rivanol will dissolve completely in water; in other words, it will occupy the interstitial spaces within water molecules. There is an obligation to make up this preparation to 100.0 ml with a very small addition of water until the volume reaches 100.0 ml.<\/p>\n

In that case, when entering the system, are we obliged to calculate 99.99 ml water and 0.1 g rivanol..?<\/p>\n

Or should we calculate 100 ml water and 0.1 g rivanol..?<\/p>\n

Practical preparation and theoretical calculation conflict here.<\/p>\n

My sincere interpretation is that both calculation methods should be acceptable. If one of these two calculation methods is considered erroneous, I would like to recall a term in the Turkish Pharmacopoeia (1974), “fiducial limits (emniyet s\u0131n\u0131rlar\u0131)”<\/strong>; that is, if the formula was prepared with either calculation method, has a material error been made that would risk the patient in terms of efficacy and utility? Have the fiducial limits been exceeded?<\/p>\n

In the financial dimension, has a calculation been made that would cause financial loss to the SGK?<\/p>\n

Dear colleagues, in my speech at the TEB General Assembly, I had sent my regards to those who imprisoned us in the narrow confines of Medula… How right I was\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

While we get lost in these debates, I would like to mention a clinical study published in the journal of Trakya University Faculty of Medicine.<\/p>\n

There is not a single Pharmacist in this clinical study\u2014meaning, the professional who should be there is missing..<\/p>\n

Please take the time to review it\u2026<\/p>\n

Wishing you a good week\u2026.<\/p>\n

Tel: (332) 3520657<\/p>\n

Fax: (332) 3512816<\/p>\n

a.pekcan@eczacininsesi.com<\/a><\/u><\/em><\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.majistralformul.com\/<\/a><\/u><\/p>\n

The Effect of Normal Saline and Rivanol on the Healing Process in Episiotomy Care<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Effect of Serum Physiological and Rivanol on the Process of Recovery During Episiotomy Care<\/em><\/p>\n

Sema DEREL\u0130 YILMAZ,1 G\u00fcl\u015fen VURAL,2 Said BODUR3<\/p>\n

1Istanbul University Florence Nightingale School of Nursing, Department of Obstetric and Gynecological Nursing, Istanbul;<\/em><\/p>\n

2Gazi University Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Ankara;<\/em><\/p>\n

3Sel\u00e7uk University Meram Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health, Division of Medical Statistics, Konya<\/em><\/p>\n

Submitted: <\/em>26.10.2008 <\/em>Accepted: <\/em>13.01.2009<\/em><\/p>\n

Objective: Episiotomy is frequently performed on primigravidas in many hospitals. There is no standard practice in episiotomy care. This study aimed to compare the effect of normal saline (saline solution) and rivanol on the episiotomy healing process and perineal pain.<\/p>\n

Patients and Methods: This study was conducted on 60 primiparous women who had vaginal deliveries. During the data collection process, rivanol was used in the episiotomy care of the first 30 mothers meeting the inclusion criteria.<\/p>\n

(Group 1). In Group 2, normal saline was used. Initial data were collected in the hospital within the first four hours postpartum.<\/p>\n

Mothers were invited to the hospital for evaluations on days 7, 14, and 21. The episiotomy wound<\/p>\n

was evaluated using the REEDA score, and pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale.<\/p>\n

Results: In the episiotomy healing process, a significant difference in terms of total REEDA score was determined in favor of normal saline on days 7, 14, and 21 between the two groups. In terms of pain, a difference was found in the normal saline group on day 21.<\/p>\n

Conclusion: <\/strong>According to the results of this study, normal saline was found to be more effective than rivanol in healing episiotomy wounds. For this reason, the use of normal saline, which has no side effects on the wound healing process and is not a chemical agent, is recommended in episiotomy care.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Keywords: <\/em>Episiotomy; wound healing; pain.<\/p>\n

References I utilized in preparing this article:<\/strong><\/p>\n

TK 1974<\/p>\n

Calculations in Pharmaceutical Formulation (Prof. Dr. \u015e\u00fckran Ge\u00e7gil)<\/p>\n

Merck Millipore Handbook, 2nd Edition, 2011<\/p>\n

Zelihag\u00fcl De\u011fim – Solutions<\/p>\n

Specialist Pharmacist Ahmet Nezihi Pekcan
\nPekcan Pharmacy – Konya
\npekcanecz@gmail.com
\nTel: (332) 3520657
\nhttp:\/\/www.majistralformul.com\/<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Dear colleagues, I cannot imagine a pharmacist who has not prepared a Rivanol solution. Indeed, during our student years at the faculty in laboratories, or in our community pharmacies, or […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9521,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"doc_category":[147],"doc_tag":[],"class_list":["post-9520","docs","type-docs","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","doc_category-antiseptic-antibacterial-antifungal-antiviral"],"acf":[],"year_month":"2026-09","word_count":2784,"total_views":"1","reactions":{"happy":"0","normal":"0","sad":"0"},"author_info":{"name":"m921a","author_nicename":"m921a","author_url":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/en\/author\/m921a\/"},"doc_category_info":[{"term_name":"Antiseptic - Antibacterial - Antimycotic - Antiviral","term_url":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/en\/dokuman-kategori\/antiseptic-antibacterial-antifungal-antiviral\/"}],"doc_tag_info":[],"knowledge_base_info":[],"knowledge_base_slug":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/docs\/9520","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/docs"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/docs"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9520"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/docs\/9520\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9522,"href":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/docs\/9520\/revisions\/9522"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9521"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9520"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"doc_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/doc_category?post=9520"},{"taxonomy":"doc_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/majistraleczacilari.org.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/doc_tag?post=9520"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}