1. What are ointments?
Ointments may be defined as semisolid preparations of such consistency that they may
be readily applied to the skin by inunction. They are of such composition that they
soften but not necessarily melt when applied to the body. They not only serve as
vehicles for the topical application of medicinal substances but also act as protectives
and emollients for the skin. Salve or Chrisma is another terminology for ointment.
Oculentum or ophthalmic ointment are those intended for use in the eye.
The major portion of the preparation is the ointment base thus it may influence the
efficacy of the medicinal agent.
Reference: General Pharmacy
By: Lilian C. Hernandez and Jose E. Dayco
Page: 246
2. How are ointments classified? Give the characteristics of each classification.
Dermatologic Ointments
>Topical Dermatological ointment- designed to deliver drug into the skin in
treating dermal disorders, with the skin as the target organ.
>Transdermal ointment- designed to deliver drugs through the skin
(percutaneous absorption) to the general circulation for systemic effects, with the
skin not being the target organ.
Nasal Ointments
-primarily for local effects on the mucous membranes and underlying tissues;
also used for the systemic absorption of a number of drugs, including analgesics
and hematopoietic
Ophthalmic Ointments
The major route by which drugs enter the eye is simple diffusion via the cornea.
They provide extended residence time on the surface of the eye, increasing the
duration of their surface effects and bioavailability for absorption into the ocular
tissues.
Rectal Ointments
-topical application to the perianal area and for insertion within the anal canal;
packaged with special perforated plastic tips for products to be administered into
the anus, primarily in the treatment of the pain and inflammation associated
with haemorrhoids
Vaginal Ointments
-intended for use in the vulvovaginal area; manufactured and tested to be free of
offending microorganisms, yeasts, and molds; packaged in tubes; most are
intended to be delivered to the vagina by means of applicator tips that
accompany the products
Reference: Ansels Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems
pp. 272, 285, 288, 289
by: Allen, Popovich, Ansel
3. What are the properties of an ideal ointment base?
4. Why is the above preparation called cold cream?
Cold cream is an emulsion of water and certain fats, usually including beeswax and
various scent agents, designed to smooth skin and remove makeup. The name derives
from the cooling feeling that the cream leaves on the skin.
Reference: [Link]
5. Give the role of sodium borate in the preparation.
Sodium borate is a colorless, transparent crystal or a white, crystalline powder and is
odorless. The crystals are often coated with white powder due to efflorescence, in the
preparation of cold cream. It is used as a preservative because of its alkalinizing
property and as a buffer for alkaline solutions.
Reference: Remingtons Pharmaceutical Sciences, 19th edition
pp. 1413-1414
6. What are the advantages and disadvantages of cold creams containing lanolin?
Advantages:
has high emollient properties that has important benefits in skin care
works to maintain the skin's moisture from evaporating, giving skin its softness and
elasticity
useful for persons who are afflicted with dry skin (xerosis) or are subjected to
environmental elements that will dry the skin
applying lanolin cream, provides a barrier to prevent water loss because dry skin will
bring about other problems for example: rapid aging, dermatitis, reduced healing
and stretch marks
used as a part of their skin maintenance routine in conjunction with any prescribed
medications
It is self-emulsifying, producing very stable w/o emulsions with water and is often used
in its hydrous form.
Relatively stable to heat
Disadvantages:
Lanolin has the unique property of absorbing twice its own weight of water. Thus it can
cause the water in the skin to build up to its normal level of 10-30%, by retarding
without completely inhibiting trans-epidermal moisture loss.
Usually have a distinct and somewhat unpleasant odor, are sticky in use and also
undergo discoloration by oxidation
References:
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
Modern Cosmetology
John Bernard Wilkinson
page 173
7. Classify surfactants as to their functions. Give their uses/functions and provide
examples for each.
TYPES OF SURFACTANTS
1. Anionic agents
USES/FUNCTIONS
-aid in the
EXAMPLES
-sodium lauryl sulphate,
solubilising/solubilisation of
substances with carboxylate,
flavours and in the removal of
sulfonate, sulphate; sodium,
debris by providing foaming
potassium, ammonium,
action
-also used as emulsifier in
triethanolamine
pharmaceutical systems
-susceptible to hydrolysis
which leads to the formation
of long-chain alcohol
-reduces surface and interfacial
2. Cationic agents
tension to low values
-it is water soluble
-it is for antimicrobial
preservation of the
pharmaceutical preparations
-it destroys bacteria and fungi
-amine salts
-acts in the cell membrane
structures in a nonspecific
3. Nonionic agents
manner leading to cell lysis
-impart a bitter taste
-it is the major class of
compounds used in
-polyoxyethylene/polyoxyPropylene block copolymers,
pharmaceutical systems
-it provides compatibility,
polyoxyethylene derivative of
stability and potential toxicity
-it is quite resistant to acidic or
propylene glycol, polyethylene
alkaline hydrolysis
steroidal esters
Reference: Remingtons Pharmaceutical Sciences, 17th edition
pp. 250, 272, 1501, 266
sorbitol fatty acid esters,
glycol, sorbitan, sucrose,
