Pharmaceutics

Ointments

Prepared by Farman Kakarash

2022
Practical lecture 4
Ointments
❖Ointments are semi-solid dosage forms intended for
external application to skin or mucous membrane, either
medicated or non-medicated.
❖Medicated ointments: are ointments used for
medical purpose, contain medications that can either act
locally or be absorbed from the skin for systemic effect.
❖Non-medicated ointments: are used for physical
effects such as lubrication and protection.
Uses of Ointments:
I. Protect the injured area from environment and permit
the skin to rejuvenate .
II. Hydrate the skin and produce emollient effect.
III. Convey a medication to the skin, for a specific effect
either topically or systemically.
IV. Used for cosmetic purpose.
Some examples of Ointments:
➢Topical steroids:
Used to treat inflammatory skin conditions such as
Eczema…etc.
Ex: Hydrocortisone, clobetasol, triamcinolone.
➢Moisturizer:
Used to treat dry skin conditions, Ex: vaseline.
➢Antimicrobial:
Used to treat microbial infections Ex:Tetracycline,
Nystatin, Fusidic acid, Acyclovir.
Some examples of Ointments:
• Topical steroids
Some examples of Ointments:
• Moisturizing ointment
Some examples of Ointments:
• Anti-microbial
Ointments
• Advantages:
I. Used externally so have less side effects.
II. Local action (contact with site of action directly).
III. First-pass metabolism is avoided
IV. Higher patient compliance compared to other route.

• Disadvantages:
I. Less dosage accuracy .
II. More susceptible to oxidation.
III. Not easily removed
Difference between cream and ointments
Ointment Cream

Oil-based
Usually 80% oil – 20% water
Greasy
Less spreadable
Slow absorption
Slow onset of action
Not easily washed off
Water-based
Usually 50% oil – 50% water
Non greasy
Easily spreadable
Rapid absorption
Rapid onset of action
Easily washed off
When should I use ointment instead of cream?
A\Ointments are preferred when:
✓treating dry skin conditions (psoriasis).
✓greater penetration is needed.
✓moisturizing is important.
Ointment bases

➢Oleaginous base (vaseline, paraffin).

➢Absorption base (wool fat).
➢Water removable base (emulsifying base).
➢Water soluble base (polyethylene glycol PEG).
Methods of preparation

Two General methods:

I. Incorporation( trituration)
II. Fusion
Simple ointment
Is a non-medicated semi-solid dosage form
which has emollient action usually used for
lubrication and protection.
Compositions of simple ointment

Ingredients Quantities in 100 g Role of ingredients

Wool fat 5g emollient

Hard paraffin 5g emollient
White soft paraffin 85 g Ointment base
Cetrostearyl alcohol 5g Emulsifying agent