Ointments Flashcards
What is an ointment?
A semi-solid dosage form, usually anhydrous with a hydrophobic oily base, intended for external application to the skin or mucous membrane.
Ointments are Occlusive
Increases skin hydration by minimising transepidermal water loss. Also enhances dermal drug penetration.
Ointment are Emollient
Suitable for dry skin
3 types of ointment
– Hydrophobic (oleaginous) ointment
– Water emulsifying ointment
– Hydrophilic (greaseless) ointment
Hydrocarbon bases for hydrophobic ointment characteristics (3)
– Occlusive—emollient effect
– Not water-washable
– Greasy
Hydrocarbon bases for hydrophobic ointment example
Petrolatum (paraffin)
Absorption bases for water emulsifying (W/O) ointment characteristics (4)
– Form w/o emulsions with skin secretions.
– W/O emulsifier
– Emollient effect
Absorption bases for water emulsifying (W/O) ointment example
Lanolin and derivatives
Water-removable bases for water emulsifying (O/W) ointment characteristics (3)
– Form O/W emulsions with skin secretions.
– O/W emulsifier
– Water-washable
Water-removable bases for water emulsifying (O/W) ointment example
Cetostearyl alcohol, cetomacrogol.
Water-soluble bases for hydrophilic ointment characteristics (2)
– Water-washable
– Non-greasy
Water-soluble bases for hydrophilic ointment example
Macrogols (polyethylene glycols = PEG)
2 basic comportments of an ointment
Drug
Ointment base
Ointments may also contain (3)
Solvent
Antioxidant
Emulsifying agent
Solvent purpose in ointment
to dissolve components, miscible with ointment base.
Antioxidant purpose in ointment
to prevent oxidative degradation. (reacidification)
Emulsifying agent purpose in ointment
for water emulsifying ointments.
Why are preservatives not generally required in ointments
As no water content.
Betnovate ointment
For relief of inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of steroid-responsive dermatoses.
White soft paraffin purpose in Betnovate
Ointment base