Ointments are semi-solid medicated preparations that are applied topically to the skin. They have several purposes including as protectants, antiseptics, and emollients. There are different types of ointment bases including oleaginous, absorption, water-miscible, and emulsion bases. Selection of the appropriate base depends on factors like the desired drug release rate and whether the active ingredient needs to be dissolved, emulsified, or suspended in the base. Ointments are usually prepared by melting the base and adding the medicated ingredients.

1. Ointments
What is Ointments?What is Ointments?
MedicinalMedicinal
application of theapplication of the
OintmentOintment
Ointment basesOintment bases
Preparation of thePreparation of the
OintmentsOintments
Storage andStorage and
dispensingdispensing

2. What is
Ointments?
OintmentsOintments
MedicinalMedicinal
application of theapplication of the
OintmentOintment
Ointment basesOintment bases
Preparation of thePreparation of the
OintmentsOintments
Storage andStorage and
dispensingdispensing
CreamsCreams
PastsPasts

3. • Any greasy or oily semi-solidAny greasy or oily semi-solid
preparation, usuallypreparation, usually
medicated, that can bemedicated, that can be
applied externally to the skinapplied externally to the skin
in order to heal, soothe orin order to heal, soothe or
protect it.protect it.
• It is a viscous semisolidIt is a viscous semisolid
preparation used topically onpreparation used topically on
a variety of body surfaces.a variety of body surfaces.
What is
Ointments?
OintmentsOintments
MedicinalMedicinal
application of theapplication of the
OintmentOintment
Ointment basesOintment bases
Preparation of thePreparation of the
OintmentsOintments
Storage andStorage and
dispensingdispensing
CreamsCreams
PastsPasts

4. Drug ingredients can beDrug ingredients can be
dissolved, emulsified ordissolved, emulsified or
suspended in the ointmentsuspended in the ointment
base.base.
The word ointment comes fromThe word ointment comes from
the Latin ungere meaningthe Latin ungere meaning
anoint with oil.anoint with oil.
What is
Ointments?
OintmentsOintments
MedicinalMedicinal
application of theapplication of the
OintmentOintment
Ointment basesOintment bases
Preparation of thePreparation of the
OintmentsOintments
Storage andStorage and
dispensingdispensing
CreamsCreams
PastsPasts

5. • Are ointments of a particularlyAre ointments of a particularly
soft consistency they aresoft consistency they are
usually emulsion ointments.usually emulsion ointments.
• They are viscous liquid orThey are viscous liquid or
semisolid emulsions of oil-in-semisolid emulsions of oil-in-
water or water-in-oil type.water or water-in-oil type.
• Easier to spread and easier toEasier to spread and easier to
remove than ointments.remove than ointments.
What is
Ointments?
OintmentsOintments
MedicinalMedicinal
application of theapplication of the
OintmentOintment
Ointment basesOintment bases
Preparation of thePreparation of the
OintmentsOintments
Storage andStorage and
dispensingdispensing
CreamsCreams
PastsPasts

6. • Have very solid consistency
and contain usually relatively
large quantities of solids.
• Contain a larger percentage of
solid material than ointments
(thicker and stiffer).
• Will not soften and flow after
application .
What is
Ointments?
OintmentsOintments
MedicinalMedicinal
application of theapplication of the
OintmentOintment
Ointment basesOintment bases
Preparation of thePreparation of the
OintmentsOintments
Storage andStorage and
dispensingdispensing
PastsPasts
CreamsCreams

7. Midicinal
application of
the Ointment
What is Ointments?What is Ointments?
OintmentOintment
Ointment basesOintment bases
Preparation of thePreparation of the
OintmentsOintments
Storage andStorage and
dispensingdispensing

8. • Ointments are used topically for
several purposes, e.g., as
protectants, antiseptics,
emollients, antipruritics,
kerotolytics, and astringents.
• In the case of a protective ointment,
it serves to protect the skin against
moisture, air, sun rays and other
external factors.
• It is necessary that the ointment
neither penetrates the human skin
barriers nor facilitates the
absorption of substances through
this barrier.
Midicinal
application of
the Ointment
What is Ointments?What is Ointments?
OintmentOintment
Ointment basesOintment bases
Preparation of thePreparation of the
OintmentsOintments
Storage andStorage and
dispensingdispensing

9. • An antiseptic ointment is used
to destroy or inhibit the
growth of bacteria.
Frequently bacterial
infections are deeply seated; a
base which has the capacity to
either penetrate or dissolve and
release the medication
effectively is therefore desired.
• Ointments used for their
emollient effect should be easy
to apply, be non-greasy and
effectively penetrate the skin.
Midicinal
application of
the Ointment
What is Ointments?What is Ointments?
OintmentOintment
Ointment basesOintment bases
Preparation of thePreparation of the
OintmentsOintments
Storage andStorage and
dispensingdispensing

10. Ointment
bases
What is Ointments?What is Ointments?
MedicinalMedicinal
application of theapplication of the
OintmentOintment
OintmentsOintments
Preparation of thePreparation of the
OintmentsOintments
Storage andStorage and
dispensingdispensing
Oleaginous O.B.Oleaginous O.B.
Absorption O.B.Absorption O.B.
Water miscible O.B.Water miscible O.B.
O/W emulsion O.B.O/W emulsion O.B.
W/O emulsion O.B.W/O emulsion O.B.
Choice of the O.B.Choice of the O.B.
Ideal O.B.Ideal O.B.

11. There are five (5) classes or types
of ointment bases which are
differentiated on the basis of
their physical composition.
These are:
1. Oleaginous bases.
2. Absorption bases.
3. Water in oil emulsion bases.
4. Oil in water emulsion bases.
5. Water soluble or water
miscible bases.
Ointment
bases
What is Ointments?What is Ointments?
MedicinalMedicinal
application of theapplication of the
OintmentOintment
OintmentsOintments
Preparation of thePreparation of the
OintmentsOintments
Storage andStorage and
dispensingdispensing
Oleaginous O.B.Oleaginous O.B.
Absorption O.B.Absorption O.B.
Water miscible O.B.Water miscible O.B.
O/W emulsion O.B.O/W emulsion O.B.
W/O emulsion O.B.W/O emulsion O.B.
Choice of the O.B.Choice of the O.B.
Ideal O.B.Ideal O.B.

12. • These bases are fats, fixed oils,
hydrocarbon or silicones.
• They are anhydrous, greasy, non-
washable does not absorb water and
occlusive (form a film on skin so it
increases the skin hydration by
reducing the rate of loss of surface
water.
• They should not be applied to inffected
skin.
• they are used as protectants, emollients
, vehicles for hydrolyzable drugs.
• Example: White Petrolatum, White
Ointment
Ointment
bases
What is Ointments?What is Ointments?
MedicinalMedicinal
application of theapplication of the
OintmentOintment
OintmentsOintments
Preparation of thePreparation of the
OintmentsOintments
Storage andStorage and
dispensingdispensing
Absorption O.B.Absorption O.B.
Water miscible O.B.Water miscible O.B.
O/W emulsion O.B.O/W emulsion O.B.
W/O emulsion O.B.W/O emulsion O.B.
Oleaginous O.B.Oleaginous O.B.
Choice of the O.B.Choice of the O.B.
Ideal O.B.Ideal O.B.

13. • Oleaginous base + w/o surfactant.
• Anhydrous but hydrophilic ointment
bases, they can absorb several times
their weight of water to form water-in-
oil emulsion.
• They are non-washable, not water
soluble
• They used as protectants, emollients
(+/-), vehicles for aqueous solutions,
solids, and non-hydrolyzable drugs.
• Example: Hydrophilic Petrolatum,
Anhydrous Lanolin, Aquabase™,
Aquaphor®, Polysorb®
Ointment
bases
What is Ointments?What is Ointments?
MedicinalMedicinal
application of theapplication of the
OintmentOintment
OintmentsOintments
Preparation of thePreparation of the
OintmentsOintments
Storage andStorage and
dispensingdispensing
Oleaginous O.B.Oleaginous O.B.
Water miscible O.B.Water miscible O.B.
O/W emulsion O.B.O/W emulsion O.B.
W/O emulsion O.B.W/O emulsion O.B.
Absorption O.B.Absorption O.B.
Choice of the O.B.Choice of the O.B.
Ideal O.B.Ideal O.B.

14. • These are anhydrous, hydrophilic,
absorbs water and non water
removable, with low thermal
conductivity and occlusive.
• They have the same properties
as the absorption basees.
• They are used as emollients,
cleansing creams, vehicles for
solid, liquid, or non-hydrolyzable
drugs .
• Examples: Cold Cream type,
Hydrous Lanolin, Rose Water
Ointment, Hydrocream™,
Eucerin®, Nivea® .
Ointment
bases
What is Ointments?What is Ointments?
MedicinalMedicinal
application of theapplication of the
OintmentOintment
OintmentsOintments
Preparation of thePreparation of the
OintmentsOintments
Storage andStorage and
dispensingdispensing
Oleaginous O.B.Oleaginous O.B.
Absorption O.B.Absorption O.B.
Water miscible O.B.Water miscible O.B.
O/W emulsion O.B.O/W emulsion O.B.
W/O emulsionW/O emulsion
O.B.O.B.
Choice of the O.B.Choice of the O.B.
Ideal O.B.Ideal O.B.

15. • These bases are anhydrous, water
soluble, absorb water and water
washable.
• They are either carbowaxes
Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs) or
hydrated gums (bentonite, gelatin,
cellulose derivatives).
• They are used as drug vehicles.
• Examples: PEG Ointment,
Polybase™
Ointment
bases
What is Ointments?What is Ointments?
MedicinalMedicinal
application of theapplication of the
OintmentOintment
OintmentsOintments
Preparation of thePreparation of the
OintmentsOintments
Storage andStorage and
dispensingdispensing
Oleaginous O.B.Oleaginous O.B.
Absorption O.B.Absorption O.B.
Water miscible O.B.Water miscible O.B.
W/O emulsion O.B.W/O emulsion O.B.
O/W emulsionO/W emulsion
O.B.O.B.
Choice of the O.B.Choice of the O.B.
Ideal O.B.Ideal O.B.

16. • These bases are anhydrous, water
soluble, absorb water and water
washable.
• They are either carbowaxes
Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs) or
hydrated gums (bentonite,
gelatin, cellulose derivatives).
• They are used as drug vehicles.
• Examples: PEG Ointment,
Polybase™
Ointment
bases
What is Ointments?What is Ointments?
MedicinalMedicinal
application of theapplication of the
OintmentOintment
OintmentsOintments
Preparation of thePreparation of the
OintmentsOintments
Storage andStorage and
dispensingdispensing
Oleaginous O.B.Oleaginous O.B.
Absorption O.B.Absorption O.B.
O/W emulsion O.BO/W emulsion O.B
W/O emulsion O.B.W/O emulsion O.B.
Choice of the O.B.Choice of the O.B.
Ideal O.B.Ideal O.B.
Water miscibleWater miscible
O.B.O.B.

17. Selection of the Appropriate Base
Based on:
1. Desired release rate.
2. Desirability for enhancement
of percutaneous absorption.
3. Advisability of occlusion.
4. Short-term or long-term stability.
5. Influence of drug on consistency
or other features of ointment
base.
6. Patient factor - dry or weeping
(oozing) skin.
Ointment
bases
What is Ointments?What is Ointments?
MedicinalMedicinal
application of theapplication of the
OintmentOintment
OintmentsOintments
Preparation of thePreparation of the
OintmentsOintments
Storage andStorage and
dispensingdispensing
Oleaginous O.B.Oleaginous O.B.
Absorption O.B.Absorption O.B.
Water miscible O.B.Water miscible O.B.
O/W emulsion O.B.O/W emulsion O.B.
W/O emulsion O.B.W/O emulsion O.B.
Ideal O.B.Ideal O.B.
Choice of theChoice of the
O.B.O.B.

18. Among the properties which an
Ideal ointment base
should possess are:
1. Does not retard wound
healing.
2. Low sensitization index.
3. Pharmaceutical elegance.
4. A low index of irritation.
5. Non dehydrating.
6. Non greasy.
7. Neutral in reaction.
8. Good keeping qualities.
Ointment
bases
What is Ointments?What is Ointments?
MedicinalMedicinal
application of theapplication of the
OintmentOintment
OintmentsOintments
Preparation of thePreparation of the
OintmentsOintments
Storage andStorage and
dispensingdispensing
Oleaginous O.B.Oleaginous O.B.
Absorption O.B.Absorption O.B.
Water miscible O.B.Water miscible O.B.
O/W emulsion O.B.O/W emulsion O.B.
W/O emulsion O.B.W/O emulsion O.B.
Choice of the O.B.Choice of the O.B.
Ideal O.B.Ideal O.B.

19. 9. Compatible with common
medicaments.
10.Efficient release of
medicament at site of
application.
11.Washability (easily
removed with water).
12.Minimum number of
ingredients.
13.Ease of compounding.
Ointment
bases
What is Ointments?What is Ointments?
MedicinalMedicinal
application of theapplication of the
OintmentOintment
OintmentsOintments
Preparation of thePreparation of the
OintmentsOintments
Storage andStorage and
dispensingdispensing
Oleaginous O.B.Oleaginous O.B.
Absorption O.B.Absorption O.B.
Water miscible O.B.Water miscible O.B.
O/W emulsion O.B.O/W emulsion O.B.
W/O emulsion O.B.W/O emulsion O.B.
Choice of the O.B.Choice of the O.B.
Ideal O.B.Ideal O.B.

20. Preparation ofPreparation of
the Ointmentsthe Ointments
What is Ointments?What is Ointments?
OintmentOintment
Ointment basesOintment bases
Storage andStorage and
dispensingdispensing
MedicinalMedicinal
application of theapplication of the
OintmentOintment

21. • Mix together (mortar & pestle,
spatula & slab)
• roller mill
• "levigating" the powder
(reduction of particle size in
suspending agent compatible
with the ointment base)
Preparation ofPreparation of
the Ointmentsthe Ointments
What is Ointments?What is Ointments?
OintmentOintment
Ointment basesOintment bases
Storage andStorage and
dispensingdispensing
MedicinalMedicinal
application of theapplication of the
OintmentOintment
Electric Mortar andElectric Mortar and
PestlePestle
Ointment MillOintment Mill

22. In porcelain dish all or some
components of an ointment
melted together and
cooled with constant stirring
until congealed, add non-
melting substances as the
ointment is being cooled and
stirred.
Preparation ofPreparation of
the Ointmentsthe Ointments
What is Ointments?What is Ointments?
OintmentOintment
Ointment basesOintment bases
Storage andStorage and
dispensingdispensing
MedicinalMedicinal
application of theapplication of the
OintmentOintment

23. Storage andStorage and
dispensingdispensing
What is Ointments?What is Ointments?
OintmentOintment
Ointment basesOintment bases
MedicinalMedicinal
application of theapplication of the
OintmentOintment
Preparation of thePreparation of the
OintmentsOintments

24. • Ointments should be stored in
tightly closed and completely
filled containers
• Changes in temperature can
lead to the crystallization of the
drug and to changes in the
ointment base.
• They are usually dispensed in
jars of glass or plastic material
or in collapsible tubes.
Storage andStorage and
dispensingdispensing
What is Ointments?What is Ointments?
OintmentOintment
Ointment basesOintment bases
MedicinalMedicinal
application of theapplication of the
OintmentOintment
Preparation of thePreparation of the
OintmentsOintments

25. • Sterile ointments must be
dispensed in tubes or single
dose units in order to protect
the product against
contamination during use.
• With tin tubes, there is a risk
of corrosion with hydrophilic
ointments.
Storage andStorage and
dispensingdispensing
What is Ointments?What is Ointments?
OintmentOintment
Ointment basesOintment bases
MedicinalMedicinal
application of theapplication of the
OintmentOintment
Preparation of thePreparation of the
OintmentsOintments

26. • Prepare the ointment. Select an
ointment jar that will just hold
all of the formulation.
• Begin by taking some ointment.
• ..... and fill the bottom of
the ointment jar. Use the spatula
to put ointment into the
crevices.
OintmentOintment
What is Ointments?What is Ointments?
MedicinalMedicinal
application of theapplication of the
OintmentOintment
Ointment basesOintment bases
Preparation of thePreparation of the
OintmentsOintments
Storage andStorage and
dispensingdispensing

27. • Continue adding ointment to the
jar again using the spatula to put
the ointment along the sides of the
jar.
• As you fill the jar, stab the spatula
into the ointment a couple of times.
This will reveal air pockets that
may have formed.
• Put the spatula halfway
across the filled jar, and tilt
in slightly.Rotate the jar...
OintmentOintment
What is Ointments?What is Ointments?
MedicinalMedicinal
application of theapplication of the
OintmentOintment
Ointment basesOintment bases
Preparation of thePreparation of the
OintmentsOintments
Storage andStorage and
dispensingdispensing

28. • ...and this is make a
professional looking finish on
the top of the ointment.
• Wipe off ointment from the
threads of the jar.
• Cap the ointment jar.
OintmentOintment
What is Ointments?What is Ointments?
MedicinalMedicinal
application of theapplication of the
OintmentOintment
Ointment basesOintment bases
Preparation of thePreparation of the
OintmentsOintments
Storage andStorage and
dispensingdispensing

29. Fadael A. Al-SaffarFadael A. Al-Saffar
Fatimah M. Al-NeemerFatimah M. Al-Neemer
Leena N. AbdullatifLeena N. Abdullatif
Manal A. OmranManal A. Omran
Sukaina A. Al-MatroodSukaina A. Al-Matrood