Semisolid dosage forms 557

cellulose (MC). The resultant product is usually a clear and uniform

semisolid. Jellies, being aqueous, are prone to bacterial growth. Thus, anti-
microbials are usually added as preservatives.

23.5 LOTIONS

A lotion is a low- to medium-viscosity medicated or nonmedicated topical

preparation, intended for application to unbroken skin. Lotions are usually
applied to external skin with bare hands, a clean cloth, cotton wool, or
gauze. Solid particles incorporated in lotions should be in a nely divided
state to avoid grittiness.
Most lotions are o/w emulsions, but w/o lotions are also formulated. The key
components of a lotion are the aqueous and oily phases, an emulsifying agent
to prevent separation of these two phases, and, if used, the drug substance or
substances. A wide variety of other ingredients such as fragrances, glycerol,
petroleum jelly, dyes, preservatives, and stabilizing agents are commonly added
to lotions for improved organoleptic and preservation characteristics.
Lotions can be used for the topical delivery of medications such as
antibiotics, antiseptics, antifungals, corticosteroids, antiacne agents, and
soothing/protective agents (such as calamine). Aside from medical use and
skin care, lotions are often used as accessories to aid massage, masturba-
tion, or sex. Noncomedogenic lotions, products that do not block the natu-
ral pores of the skin, are recommended for use on pimples or acne-prone
skin. These lotions are also termed as nonocclusive. Thus, they may reduce
acne and/or reduce the incidence of pimples.
The same drug substance can be formulated into a lotion, cream, and
ointment. Creams are the most convenient of the three but are inappro-
priate for application to regions of hairy skin such as the scalp; whereas
a lotion is less viscous and may be readily applied to these areas. Many
medicated shampoos are, in fact, lotions. Lotions also have an advantage
that they may be spread thinly compared to a cream or ointment and may
economically cover a larger area of skin.

23.6 PASTES

Pastes are semisolid dosage forms that contain a large proportion of solid
component. They differ from ointments in their consistency, as they contain
larger amounts of solids and consequently are thicker and stiffer. Pastes can
be made either of fatty bases, such as petrolatum and hydrophilic petrola-
tum, or of aqueous gels, such as celluloses. Pastes may contain one or more
drug substances intended for topical application.
Pastes are well adsorbed on the skin. Pastes can absorb watery solu-
tions so that they can be used around oozing lesions. Pastes can be easily