Creams Flashcards
What is a cream?
As semi-solid emulsion. Dispersed system stabilised using a suitable emulsifier.
What is the consistency of creams?
Soft spreadable consistency
What is the administration of creams?
Topical (external) for application to skin or mucous membrane
O/W cream
Oil in water semi-solid emulsion (Hydrophilic)
W/O cream
Water in oil semi-solid emulsion (Lipophilic)
Hydrophilic (O/W) continuous phase
Water and oil dispersed as droplets in it.
Lipophilic (W/O) continuous phase
Oil and water dispersed as droplets in it.
Hydrophilic cream (O/W) characteristics
- Non-greasy.
- Miscible with skin secretions.
- Water-washable.
- Non-occlusive.
Lipophilic cream (W/O) characteristics
- Somewhat greasy (less so than ointments).
- Less miscible with skin secretions than O/W.
- Less water-washable than O/W.
- Somewhat occlusive (less so than ointments).
Hydrophilic cream (O/W) greasiness
Non-greasy.
Hydrophilic cream (O/W) miscibility with skin
Miscible with skin secretions.
Hydrophilic cream (O/W) water washability
Water-washable.
Hydrophilic cream (O/W) occlusive?
Non-occlusive. (does form a barrier to prevent moisture loss)
Lipophilic cream (W/O) greasiness
Somewhat greasy (less so than ointments).
Lipophilic cream (W/O) miscibility with skin
Less miscible with skin secretions than O/W
Lipophilic cream (W/O) water washability
Less water-washable than O/W
Lipophilic cream (W/O) occlusive?
Somewhat occlusive (less so than ointments)
4 basic components of a cream
– Drug.
– Continuous phase.
– Dispersed phase.
– Emulsifier—stabilise emulsion.
Purpose of emulsifier in liquid emulsions
Allows the droplets to remains as droplets in the cream. Required as the two phases are immiscible.
What other 6 comportment can a cream contain?
- Co-solvent
- Thickener
- Preservative
- Penetration enhancer
- pH regulator
- Antioxidant
Purpose of a co-solvent in a cream
Enhances solubility.
Purpose of a thickener in a cream
Enhances viscosity/stability/release profile.
Purpose of a preservative in a cream
Prevents microbial spoilage.