Turpentine liniment for arthralgia

1. Introductionto linimentand turpentine liniment
Object: To prepare and dispense 30 mL of liniment turpentine
Introduction
Liniments are liquid or semi liquid preparation meant for external use only.
Contains ingredients possessing irritant, counterirritant, analgesics and
emollient properties.
Liniment might be either a solution or an emulsion. Should not be applied on
the broken skin.
Method
1. Take required quantity of soft soap (2.7 gm) in the mortar. Add 10-15 ml of
water, Triturate to make a soap solution.
2. Take required quantity of turpentine oil (19.2 mL) in dry measuring cylinder
and dissolve 2.5 gm camphor into it.
3. Add this solution drop by drop in mortar. Triturate continuously and rapidly
till primary emulsion is formed.
4. Add water to make final volume upto 30 mL, mix well and transfer it into the
dispensing bottle, cork it and label it.
Mechanismof action
It acts by irritant and counter irritant mechanism
1. Irritant: They are resins which produces more or less local inflammatory
reaction when used locally.
2. Counter- irritant: when irritants applied locally to the skin to relieve deep
seated pain it is referred to as counter irritant. It acts by following mechanisms:
a. Local application of counter irritant causes vasodilatation and redness of
skin (rubefacient) due to stimulation of sensory nerve ending. This is associated
with feeling of warm and comfort.

2. b. Focal: local application of counterirritant causes vasodilation which may
affect more deep seated tissue and organ and permit dispersion of pain
producing substances.
c. Distal: strong sensory stimulation of segment of skin either alter or
completely depressed the pain arising from the internal organ which is
innervated by the same segment and following common sensory pathway to
brain.
There is overcrowding of sensation which results in inability of brain to receive
all impulses which are directed to it. This helps in relieving internal pain.
Counter irritant can be either physical or chemical reagent
Physical counter irritants are
 Hot water bottle
 Variant heat
 Galvanic electric current
Chemicalcounter irritant are
 Oil of turpentine, camphor etc
 Methyl salicylate
 Black mustard
Action of individual ingredients
1. Soft soap:it is best emulsifying agent for lotion, liniment & preparation
for external use.
 It is a good emollient
 It can penetrate sebaceous ducteasily
 It is a good cleaning agent
 Mild GIT irritant, hence it is not used internally
 Soluble in alcohol
2. Turpentine oil: it is a volatile oil, distilled from oleo resin turpentine,
obtained from various pinus species.
Mechanism – externally as a rubefacient irritant and counter irritant.
 As an enema to remove flatulent distension and to evacuate the bowel.
 As an oxidising agent in case of phosphorous poisoning

3. 3. Camphor: it is a solid volatile oil obtained from wood of cinnamon
camphor. It can be prepared synthetically.
Locally it is, moderately antiseptic, it is also rubifacient and counter
irritant
 Camphor with chalk is used as a tooth powder
 Act as carminative when taken orally
 Expectorant by reflex irritation of stomach
Uses
 Rheumatoid arthritis
 Arthralgia
 Myalgia
 Neuralgia
Contraindication
 Should not be applied on broken skin. e.g. burns & ulcers
Precautions
 Mortar & pestle should be dry.
 Proper trituration is essential.
 Don’t add water in mortar otherwise it will become thick & difficult to
transfer in bottle.

4. 30 mL
LINIMENT TURPENTINE
FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY
Prashant 50 yrs male
Direction: To be applied on the affected part by gentle
rubbing with your fingers for about 5 minutes, twice a day.
Not to be applied on broken skin.
25-3-15 sign
Pharmacy lab
Pharmacology dept,
SMS Medical College, Jaipur

5. Prescription
Dr Sunita
MBBS,MD
Reg No: 123
Address
Email id
Contact number
Prashant yadav 50 yrs Male
Diagnosis- arthralgia/Neuralgia/Pain
Rx
Turpentine oil 19.2 mL
Soft soap 2.7 gm
Camphor 1.5 gm
Aqua ad 30 mL
M.ft. - Liniment, such 30 mL
Signa- To be applied on the affected part by gentle rubbing with your fingers for
about 5 minutes, twice a day. Not to be applied on broken skin.
For external use only.
Sign & date