Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which characteristic is most critical for an ointment base to effectively deliver a drug to the skin?
Which characteristic is most critical for an ointment base to effectively deliver a drug to the skin?
- Chemical inertness to avoid drug degradation (correct)
- Brilliant color to enhance patient appeal
- High viscosity to prevent rapid spread
- Inability to be removed from the skin
An ointment base that readily absorbs water and forms water-in-oil emulsions is classified as which type of base?
An ointment base that readily absorbs water and forms water-in-oil emulsions is classified as which type of base?
- Hydrocarbon base
- Emulsion base
- Water-removable base
- Absorption base (correct)
Why is it important for an ointment base to be homogeneous?
Why is it important for an ointment base to be homogeneous?
- To make the ointment more colorful
- To increase the viscosity
- To prevent the ointment from being absorbed into the skin
- To ensure even distribution of the drug (correct)
What is a key disadvantage of using hydrocarbon bases in ointments?
What is a key disadvantage of using hydrocarbon bases in ointments?
Which ointment base is best suited for incorporating both water-soluble and oil-soluble drugs?
Which ointment base is best suited for incorporating both water-soluble and oil-soluble drugs?
Which of the following is a critical therapeutic property an ideal ointment base should possess?
Which of the following is a critical therapeutic property an ideal ointment base should possess?
An ointment formulated with a water-removable base is likely to have which characteristic?
An ointment formulated with a water-removable base is likely to have which characteristic?
What is the primary reason for ensuring an ointment has a good shelf life?
What is the primary reason for ensuring an ointment has a good shelf life?
Why are emulsion bases advantageous in ointment formulations?
Why are emulsion bases advantageous in ointment formulations?
When selecting an ointment base, what is the importance of considering its compatibility with incorporated drugs?
When selecting an ointment base, what is the importance of considering its compatibility with incorporated drugs?
Flashcards
What is an ointment?
What is an ointment?
Semisolid preparations for external use with less than 20% water and more than 50% hydrocarbons, waxes, or polyols.
What are hydrocarbon bases?
What are hydrocarbon bases?
Water-insoluble, anhydrous bases like petrolatum and mineral oil.
What are absorption bases?
What are absorption bases?
Bases that can absorb water, forming water-in-oil emulsions, such as lanolin.
What are water-removable bases?
What are water-removable bases?
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What is a key chemical property of ointment bases?
What is a key chemical property of ointment bases?
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What is a key therapeutic property of ointment bases?
What is a key therapeutic property of ointment bases?
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Ideal physical properties of ointments
Ideal physical properties of ointments
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What is an important therapeutic property of an ointment base?
What is an important therapeutic property of an ointment base?
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What are practical considerations for ointment bases?
What are practical considerations for ointment bases?
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Study Notes
- Ointments are semisolid preparations meant for external use on skin or mucous membranes.
- They typically have less than 20% water content.
- They contain more than 50% hydrocarbons, waxes, or polyols as the vehicle.
Types of Ointment Bases
- There are four main types of ointment bases: hydrocarbon, absorption, water-removable, and emulsion bases.
Hydrocarbon Bases
- These are also known as oleaginous bases.
- Examples include petrolatum, mineral oil, and paraffin.
- They are water-insoluble and anhydrous.
Absorption Bases
- Lanolin and wool fat are examples of absorption bases.
- They can absorb water to form water-in-oil emulsions.
Water-Removable Bases
- Polyethylene glycol (PEG) ointments are water-removable bases.
- They are water-soluble and washable.
Emulsion Bases
- These can be either oil-in-water or water-in-oil types.
- Hydrophilic petrolatum is an example.
Ideal Properties of Ointment Bases
Physical Properties
- Ointment bases should be soft, smooth, and homogeneous.
- They should have suitable consistency and spreadability.
- They should be stable at room temperature.
Chemical Properties
- They should be chemically stable.
- Ointment bases should be compatible with the drugs incorporated into them.
- They should not react with the container material.
Therapeutic Properties
- Ointment bases should release the drug effectively.
- They should not irritate the skin.
- They should be non-sensitizing.
Practical Considerations
- They should be easily removable from the skin.
- They should have a good shelf life.
- They should be cost-effective.
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