Section 5: Semisolid Flashcards
What are semisolids intended for?
Topical use
What is included in the term semisolid?
Ointments, creams, and gels
What is generally included in a semisolid?
An active component (drug); however, some are used for physical effects as protectants or lubricants
What must be considered when using a semisolid dose form?
Inadvertent systemic effects
What is generally the target organ of semisolid dose forms?
Skin
How do topical dermatological semisolid medications deliver drug?
Locally into skin
How do transdermal semisolid medications deliver drug?
Systemically through the skin into blood
What are ointments?
Semisolid preparations for external application to skin or mucous membranes
What are non-medicated ointments used for?
Protective, emollient, or lubricating activity
What are the 4 groups of ointment bases?
1) Oleaginous
2) Absorption
3) Water-removable
4) Water-soluble
What are 4 characteristics of oleaginous ointment bases?
1) Hydrocarbon bases
2) Emollient effect (protect against loss of moisture)
3) Occlusive (air and water proof)
4) Remain on skin long time and difficult to wash off
Can water and aqueous solutions be incorporated into oleaginous bases?
Yes, but with difficult and in small quantities
What is used as a levigating agent to incorporate solids into oleaginous bases?
Liquid petrolatum (mineral oil)
What type of emulsions are absorption ointment bases?
Water in oil
What are the 2 types of absorption ointment bases and what are examples of each?
1) Allows incorporation of water to form a water in oil emulsion (ex: eucerin, hydrophilic petrolatum)
2) Already a water in oil emulsion (ex: hydrous lanolin)
What are absorption bases useful for?
Providing a way to incorporate aqueous solutions into oleaginous bases
What are absorption bases used as?
Emollients
Absorption bases are _____ to wash off
Difficult
What are water-removable ointment bases?
Essentially oil in water emulsions
Water-removable ointment bases are _____ to wash off
Easy
Can water-removable ointment bases be diluted with water and why?
Yes because continuous phase is water
What are water-removable ointment bases useful for?
Weeping skin conditions
What are examples of water-removable ointment bases?
- Hydrophilic ointment USP
- Dermabase
- Unibase
What are water-soluble ointment bases referred to as and why?
Greaseless because they contain no oleaginous components
True or false: water-soluble ointment bases are completely water removable
True
What do water-soluble ointment bases usually contain?
Polyethlyene glycol
What are 7 considerations that should be made when selecting an ointment base?
1) Topical or percutaneous?
2) Rate of drug release
3) Occlusion wanted?
4) Drug stability
5) Drug solubility/skin feel
6) Easy/difficult removal
7) Site of application
Are gauze pads occlusive?
No
What type of ointment base is the most non-polar?
Oleaginous