Ointments

What are ointments

An ointment consists of a single-phase basis in which solids or liquids may be dispersed

What are the advantages and disadvantages of ointments

Adv

Can provide high levels of occlusion

Prolonged contact time with required site of action

Spread easily on the skin

Dis

Greasy wand difficult to remove

Stains clothing

List the ointment bases

Oleaginous base

Absorption base

Emulsifying base

Water soluble base

What are some of the properties of oleaginous base

Oily

Occlusive

Highly lipophilic

What are some of the examples of oleaginous bases

Hydrocarbons

Vegetable oils and animal fat

Hydrogenated and sulphated oils

Alcohols, acids, and esters

Silicones

What is vegetable oils used for

Used as emollients and softening agents,, and to lower melting point of base

What does absorption base do and state some of their properties

Anhydrous bases which can absorb large quantities of water, while maintaining the consistency of an ointment

Occlusive

Hydrophilic

Acts as an emollient

What is an emulsifying base and their types

Semisolid emulsions

Two types

W/O type emulsion base

O/W type emulsion base

State some of the properties of a water soluble base

Do not contain oleaginous bases

Non occlusive

Non-greasy

Washable

List the bases in order from less water to more water

Oleaginous base- Absorption base-Emulsion base- Water soluble base

What are some of the different excipients in an ointment

Emulsifying agent

Antioxidants

Preservative

Additional solvents

What packaging is used for ointments

Ointment jars

Ointment tubes