medication sticks

medication sticks purpose

administer topical drugs for cosmetic and medical

soft stick

softens and flows easily when rubbed into skin

hard stick

tip must be moistened before applied

crystalline powder may leave white residue

melting bases def and ex

for soft clear sticks cocoa butter peg, wax

moistening bases

for hard sticks

alum or aluminum sulfate

penetration enhancer

ex: alcohol, glycerine, propylene glycol, surfactants

characteristics of good stick

uniform, stable, free of mottling

bad stick

sweat, crumble, crack

general preparation

blend waxes with different melting points so they soften at same temperature

purpose of lubricants

minimize coherence of waxes

carnauba wax

hard wax

candelilla wax

low melting point

beeswax wax

stiffening agent

paraffins

small amounts for gloss

peg

water soluble base