Topical Botanical Medicines Flashcards
What is the difference between a cream and an ointment or salve?
Cream: An emulsion of water in oil or oil in water. It is able to penetrate the skin
Slave: Non-aqueous. Unable to penetrate the skin; they form an occlusive layer
What is a topical preparation called that is applied to any body cavity?
Douche
What kinds of preparations may be added to douche?
Decoctions
Infusions
TInctures
What is the problem with using glycerin in ear drops?
a) It can provide an environment for microbial growth
b) It can draw water from the TM sometimes with good effects, sometimes with adverse effects
What is placed in the ear after applying ear drops?
Cotton wool
What would be the result of instilling overly cold ear drops?
Nystagmus, dizziness, falling
What is critical for preparing eye drops?
Sterility
What does the osmolarity of eye drops need to be?
Isotonic
What is a semi-solid preparation that is applied to the skin to relieve pain, for a local stimulating effect for inhalation?
Liniment
What needs to be added to nasal lavages to make them more comfortable? Why?
Saline; correct tonicity
What substances provide good bases for poulltices?
Flax seed
Potato
Bentonite Clay
Flour
What is the definition of a suppository?
A thick waxy preparation that melts at body temperature and is applied either vaginally or rectally
How can suppositories have a systemic action?
If inserted rectally, medicine can be absorbed by the hemorrhoid plexus, which does not drain into the liver and thus prevents first pass metabolism by the liver
