Spring Exam 1 Flashcards
(155 cards)
definition of ointments
USP: semisolid preparations intended for external application to the skin or mucous membranes
–loosely to include: pastes, creams, gels, plasters, poultices (all semisold topicals)
UNG (latin): fatty substance
Specific definition of ointments
- an unofficial specific classification for oleaginous topicals (petrolatum, lanolin or other semisolid oil/grease based preps)
- insoluble in water, not water washable, emollient, occlusive & greasy
Levigation - when is it used?
- powders must be insoluble in UNG base
- to make smooth
- particle size reduction
- minimal amount of base
what is incorporation?
-the processes of combining semi-solid masses
when do you use geometric?
-used with “geometric incorporation”
What are levigating agents?
- often not specified by the prescriber
- SA, not necessary to call physician, use professional judgement
- optional (when not specified)
- always used in a MINIMAL amount!
When are levigating agents used?
- used to facilitate wetting of powders & incorporation efficiency
- powders must be insoluble with the agent
- ideally a low molecular weight version of the base itself or a low viscosity agent compatible with the base
- EXs: mineral oil (use with petrolatum), glycerin (use with PEG) & low molecular weight PEG (use with PEG)
what are solubilization agents?
- should be compatible with the UNG base itself or a suitable adjunct absorption base
- used to facilitate compounding efficiency
- powder must be soluble with the agent
Scenario: a solid, oil-soluble drug to be incorporated with petrolatum
1) dissolve the drug in a minimal amount of mineral oil (on the ointment slab)
2) incorporate (geometrically if needed) oil solution with the petrolatum
Scenario: a solid, water-soluble drug is to be incorporated with petrolatum
1) dissolve the drug in a minimal amount of distilled H2O (usually on the ointment slab)
2) incorporate the solution in a minimal amount of an appropriate absorption base
3) incorporate the above with the petrolatum
Scenario: a solid, powder substance is to be incorporated in an ointment base in which it it NOT soluble
1) levigate the powder in a minimal amount of the base (or levigating agent)
2) incorporate the remaining ointment base with the product
Definition of creams
- USP: creams are semisolid dosage forms containing one or more drug substances dissolved or dispersed in a suitable base
- separate USP classification reserved for water-removable/soluble ointments
- usually not termed an ointment
Definition of gels
USP: gels are semisolid systems consisting of either suspensions made up of small inorganic particles or large organic molecules interpenetrated by a liquid
–> a specific type of ointment
Definition of pastes
USP: pastes are semisolid dosage forms that contain one or more drug substances intended for topical application
-generally high viscosity: stiff, protective property, generally an ointment with >20% w/w powder = paste
How are ointments generally used?
- application to the skin/mucous membranes
- external use only –> exceptions = gels! (mylanta gelcaps, metrogel)
Topical ointments
- applied to the tissues in which the element actually exists
ex) hydrocortisone to a rash
Transdermal ointments
-site of application may be the same but the intent is for the active ingredient to become systemically distributed through absorption into the blood
Ointment uses: emollient*
- a substance that has the ability to help promote the moisturization of tissues that it comes into contact with
- ->*an ointment product may or may not exhibit these properties
is an ointment protective?*
yes! depending on the viscosity & stiffness of the individual base, one may be more protective than the other
Is an ointment a medication vehicle?*
usually yes, but maybe not –> can have active ingredient or are sometimes just used for their protective or emollient properties alone
Use of ointment as a term *(both general & specific)
- general: ointment = semi-solid
* specific: ointment = oleaginous/hydrocarbon base class
what is the ideal ointment?
- spreads easily, compatible with tissues (non-irritating, hypoallergenic, non-abrasive, isotonic)
- smooth & pliable, softens or melts at body temp, easily removed, ready release of medication & doesnt stain skin or clothing
what stability characteristics do we wants in an ointment?
physical, chemical, microbiologic
What are some ointment bases? (5)
1) hydrocarbon/oleaginous
2) anhydrous absorption
3) water in oil emulsion (topical)
4) oil in water emulsion (oral)
5) water soluble