PHARMACEUTICS1L: Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, Drug Delivery Systems and

Medical Devices (Lab)

Ivy Rose C. Orozco, RPh
POST-LABORATORY DISCUSSION

PREPARATION #8
WHITE OINTMENT

Ointments – semisolid preparations used for external

applications on skin and mucous membrane; aka salve or
charisma; homogenous, smooth and free from grittiness
and should be spreadable
- Any sign of rancidity should be subject for
discontinuation
- Unmedicated oint. - Used as protectants, emollients
and lubricants
- Medicated ointment:
Used for topical
therapeutic effects.
Method of Preparation:
1. Mechanical
Incorporation –
levigation; trituration and slabbing with spatula
- Medication will be converted into
impalpable powder then incorporated into
base
2. Fusion – utilizes heat via water bath
Oint. Bases – vehicles for medicated ointments
Four Types of Ointment Bases:
Oleaginous base – non-water washable,
anhydrous and insoluble in water; do not have the
ability to absorb or contain water
Ex: Petrolatum,USP (Vaseline) – yellowish to light
amber unctuous feel; MP: 38-60 deg. C
White Petrolatum,USP (White Vaseline) – decolorized
Yellow Ointment, USP – 50g Yellow wax in 950g
Petrolatum; from honeycomb of Apis mallifera
Other examples: White ointment, lanolin, synthetic
Esther
Absorption base - non-water washable,
anhydrous and ability to absorb water; w/o
emulsions
Ex: petrolatum + wool fat (anhydrous lanolin) –
from the wool of the sheep called Ovis aries
Water-removable base – o/w bases and water
washable bases
Ex: hydrophilic ointment, USP
Water-soluble bases – water washable and
greaseless
Ex: Polyethylene glycol oint.