Practical Pharmaceutical Technology

Ointments
Ointments are semi-solid preparation for application to the skin or mucous
membranes. They are often anhydrous and contain the medicaments either
dissolved or dispersed in the vehicle. The solid substances, which are dispersed,
should be in the form of a micronized powder. They are easily spread and their
plastic viscosity may be controlled by modifications of the formulation. Ointments
are typically used as emollient, protective and vehicles to incorporate
medicaments.

Ointment Bases
1- Hydrocarbon bases or oleaginous
They are emollient, occlusive, non-water washable, hydrophobic and greasy. E.g.
white petroleum, glyceryl monostearate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate,
butyl stearate, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol and hydrogenated lanolin.
2- Absorption bases
They are emollient, water absorbent, occlusive, anhydrous and greasy. E.g.
hydrophilic petrolatum (aquaphor, polysorb, kessolin), wool fat.
3- Emulsifying bases
w/o emulsion: they are emollient, occlusive, contain water, some absorb additional
water and greasy e.g. hydrous wool fat, cold cream.
o/w emulsion: they are water-washable, non –greasy, can diluted with water, and
non-occlusive e.g. hydrophilic ointment, vanishing cream.
4- Water soluble bases
They are usually anhydrous, water soluble and washable, non-greasy,non-occlusive
and lipid free e.g. polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol.
Method of Preparations:
1- Trituration: when the quantity of ointment is not more than 50g, a white
porcelain or marble ointment should be used in conjunction with a flexible
steel spatula. A steel spatula should not be used as medicament may react
with the metal, following substances react with metal such as mercury
compound, tannic acid, salicylic acid and iodine.

2- Fusion: ointment containing hard paraffin, bees wax, emulsion wax, and
wool alcohol are prepared by melting ingredients In a porcelain dish over a
water bath. In this process higher melting point substances should melted
first and add then other ingredients of the bases in order of their melting
point.

Formula 1: calamine ointment

Calamine, finely sifted 1.5g
White soft paraffin 8.5g

Uses: astringent and protective

Procedure:
1- Triturate the calamine powder with part of the white soft paraffin until
smooth.
2- Add gradually sufficient quantity of white soft paraffin to produce 10g.

Formula 2: zinc oxide ointment

Zinc oxide, finely sifted 1.5g
 White soft paraffin 8.5g

Uses: astringent and protective

Procedure:
1- Triturate the calamine powder with part of the white soft paraffin until
smooth.
2- Add gradually sufficient quantity of white soft paraffin to produce 10g.

Formula 3: calamine and coal tar ointment

Calamine, finely sifted 1.25g
Zinc oxide, finely sifted 1.25g
Strong coal tar solution 0.25g
Hydrous wool fat 2.5g
White soft paraffin 4.75g

Uses: astringent and protective

Procedure:
1. Melt hydrous wool fat and white soft paraffin in a glass container.
2. Powdered calamine and zinc oxide incorporate in the melted base.
3. Add coal tar solution and stir gently until cold.
Formula 4: `Sulphur ointment
Sulphur ………………..…….. 1 g
White soft paraffin……….. 9 g
Mineral oil………………….. 0.5 ml

Uses: Sulphur ointment is used to treat acne, seborrheic dermatitis and scabies