An ointment is a thick, greasy preparation meant for application to the skin or mucous membranes. It is made up of oil (80%) and water (20%) and provides advantages like avoiding first-pass metabolism, convenience for unconscious patients, suitability for bitter drugs, and chemical stability compared to liquids. Ointments are manufactured using an ointment plant and filling machine. The process involves hydrating ingredients, forming an emulsion by blending phases, and dispersing the active ingredient. Potential drawbacks are staining, contamination risks from finger application, bulkiness, dosing inaccuracies, and lesser stability than solids.