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UNMEDICATED OINTMENTS
These ointments do not contain any drugs. They are
useful as emollients, protectants .
Example: Petroleum jelly.
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. These
are of three types:
(1) Epidermic ointments: The drugs present in these type of
ointments exert their action on the epidermis of the skin.
Example: Ketoconazole ointment.
(2) Endodermic ointments: The drugs present in these types of
ointments exert their action on the deeper layers of cutaneous
tissue.
Example: Demodex ointment.
(3) Diadermic ointments: The drugs present in these types of
ointments enter into the deeper layers of skin and finally in the
systemic circulation and exert systemic effects.
Example: Nitroglycerine ointment.
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.
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.
Medicinal application
of the Ointment
Ointments are used topically for several
purposes, e.g., as protectants, antiseptics,
emollients, antipruritics, kerotolytics, and
astringents.