Ointments:

Definition:
Any greasy or oily semi-solid preparation, usually medicated, that can be applied externally to
the skin in order to heal, It is a viscous semisolid preparation used topically on a variety of body
surfaces. Drug ingredients can be dissolved, emulsified or suspended in the ointment base. The
word ointment comes from the Latin Unger meaning anoint with oil.
Types of Ointments
The various types of ointments are:
1. Medicated
2. unmediated
MEDICATED OINTMENTS
These ointments contain drugs which show local or systemic effects. These are of several
sub-types: Dermatologic ointments Opthalmic ointments Rectal ointments Vaginal
ointments Nasal ointments
DERMATOLOGIC OINTMENTS  These ointments are applied topically on the external skin.
The ointment is applied to the affected area as a thin layer and spread evenly using gentle
pressure with the fingertips.
OPTHALMIC OINTMENTS :These are sterile preparations which are applied inside the lower
eye lid. Only anhydrous bases are used in their preparation. The ointment is applied as a
narrow band of approximately 0.25 - 0.5 inch. Example: Sulfacetamide sodium ointment.
RECTAL OINTMENTS These are the ointments to be applied to the peri- anal or within the
anal canal. The bases used are combinations of PEG 300 and PEG 3350, cetyl alcohol and
cetyl esters, wax, liquid paraffin and white paraffin. Example: Benzocaine ointment.
VAGINAL OINTMENTS These ointments are applied to the vulvo-vaginal area or inside the
vagina. As vagina is more susceptible to infections, the ointment should be free from micro-
organisms, moulds and yeasts. Example: Candicidin ointment.
NASAL OINTMENTS These are used in the topical treatment of nasal mucosa. Drugs get
absorbed into the general circulation through the rich blood supply of the nasal lining.
Example: Ipratropium bromide ointment.
UNMEDICATED OINMENTS:
These ointments do not contain any drugs. They are useful as emollients, protectants .
Example: Petroleum jelly.
ADVANTAGES
 Handling of ointments is easier than bulky liquid dosage forms.
 They are chemically more stable than liquid dosage forms.
 They facilitate application of the directly to the effected body part and avoid exposure
of other parts to the drug.
 They are suitable for patients who find it difficult to take the drugs by parenteral and
oral routes.
 They prolong the contact time between the drug and effected area.
 The bioavailability of drugs administered as ointments is more since it prevents passage
through liver.
DISADVANTAGES
 They are bulkier than solid dosage forms.
 When applications of an exact quantity of ointment to the affected area is required, it is
difficult to ascertain the same.
 They are less stable than solid dosage forms.

PREPARATION:
INCORPORATION:
Mix together (mortar & pestle, spatula & slab) ,roller mill "levitating" the powder
(reduction of particle size in suspending agent compatible with the ointment base)
Electric Mortar and Pestle Electric Mortar and Pestle Ointment Mill .
FUSION:
In porcelain dish all or some components of an ointment melted together and cooled
with constant stirring until congealed, add non-melting substances as the ointment is
being cooled and stirred.
STORAGE AND DISPENSING:
 Ointments should be stored in tightly closed and completely filled containers
 Changes in temperature can lead to the crystallization of the drug and to changes in the
ointment base.
 They are usually dispensed in jars of glass or plastic material or in collapsible tubes.
 Sterile ointments must be dispensed in tubes or single dose units in order to protect the
product against contamination during use.
 With tin tubes, there is a risk of corrosion with hydrophilic ointments. Storage and
dispensing Storage and dispensing
 Continue adding ointment to the jar again using the spatula to put the ointment along
the sides of the jar.
 As you fill the jar, stab the spatula into the ointment a couple of times. This will reveal
air pockets that may have formed.