9.OINTMENTS,CREAMSANDGELS.ppt

Chapter 9. Ointments, Creams and Gels Contents I. Ointments II. Compendial requirements for ointments III. Creams IV. Gels V. Miscellaneous semisolid preparations: pastes and plasters VI. Features and use of dermatologic preparations VII. Features and use of ophthalmic ointments and gels VIII. Features and use of nasal ointments and gels IX. Features and use of rectal preparations X. Features and use of vaginal preparations Ointments, creams and gels are semisolid dosage forms intended for topical application. They may be applied to the skin, placed onto the surface of the eye, or used nasally, vaginally or rectally. Topical preparations are used for both local and systemic effects. A topical dermatological product is designed to deliver drug into the skin in treating dermal disorders, with the skin as the target organ. A transdermal product is designed to deliver drugs through the skin (percutaneous absorption) to the general circulation for systemic effects, with the skin not being the target organ. Systemic drug absorption should always be considered when using topical products if the patient is pregnant or nursing. I. Ointments Ointments are semisolid preparations intended for external application to the skin or mucous membranes. Ointments may be medicated or nonmedicated. Nonmedicated ointments are used for the physical effects that they provide as protectants, emollients or lubricants. 1. Ointment bases Ointments bases are classified by the USP into four general groups: hydrocarbon bases absorption bases water-removable bases water-soluble bases 1) Hydrocarbon bases Hydrocarbon bases are also termed oleaginous bases. On application to the skin Petrolatum （矿脂） is a purified mixture of semisolid hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum. It is an unctuous mass, varying in color from yellowish to light amber（琥珀色）. It melts at temperatures between 38?C and 60 ?C and may be used alone or in combination with other agents as an ointment base. A