This document defines and describes semisolid dosage forms, which are dermatological preparations intended for external application on the skin. It discusses their ideal properties, sites of application, classification based on formulation type (ointments, creams, jellies, pastes, suppositories), advantages and disadvantages. Ointments are homogeneous, viscous preparations classified based on penetration (epidermic, endodermic, diadermic) and therapeutic use. Creams are emulsions consisting of an opaque internal phase within a lipophilic external phase. Jellies contain sufficient gelling agent to impart a polymeric matrix. Pastes are thick ointments with high amounts of insoluble solids. Suppositories are intended for insertion

1. Submitted By:-
Suyash Jain
B Pharm(1st sem)
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Dr. HariSingh Gour University Sagar(M.P.)

3. DEFINATION:- Semisolid dosage forms are dermatological
preparations intended to apply externally on the skin to produce
local or systematic effect.
They contain one or more active ingredients dissolved or uniformly
dispersed in a suitable base and any suitable excepients.

4. Site of Application
•Intended for tropical applications
•Treatment of Dermal disorders
• Applied as following:-
o To the skin
o Placed on eye surface
o Used nassaly
o Introduced into body cavities

5. Ideal properties Semisolid dosage forms
•Physical Properties
Smooth texture
Elegant in apperance
Non dehydrating
Non gritty
Non greasy and non staining
Non hydroscopic
•Physiological Properties
Non irritating
Do not alter membrane/skin functioning
Miscible with skin secretion
Have low sensitization index
•Application Properties
Easily applicable with efficient drug release
Have aqueous wash ability

6. •Used externally.
•Probability of side effect can
be reduce.
•Local action and Site specific
action of drug on affected
area.
•Convenient for unconscious
patient or patient having
difficulty on oral
administration.
•Suitable dosage form for
bitter drugs.
•More stable than liquid
dosage form.
•No dosage accuracy in this
type of dosage form
•Base used can be easily
oxidized.
•May cause staining.
•Bulky to handle.
•Application with finger may
cause contamination.
•Less stable than solid dosage
form.
•May cause irritation or allergy
to some patients
Advantages Disadvantages

7. Classification Semisolid dosage forms
Ointments
Creams
Jellies
Pastes
Suppositories

8. 1. Ointments
Ointments are homogenous, translucent, viscous, semi solid
preparation intended for external application. They may or may
not be medicated.
They are used as:-
- Emollients
- Protective
- Therapeutic
- Prophylactic purpose

9. Classification
of Ointment
On the basis
of
penetration
Epidermic
ointments
Endodermic
ointments
Diadermic
ointments
On the basis
of Therapetic
use

10. A- Epidermic ointments :- intended to
produce their action on the surface of the skin. They are not
absorbed and produce local effect and acts as protectives,
antiseptics and parasiticides.
B- Endodermic ointments :- intended to release
the medicaments that penetrate into the skin. They are partially
absorbed and acts as emollients, stimulants and local irritants.
C- Diadermic ointments :- intended to release
the medicaments that pass through the skin and produce
systemic effects.
On the basis of penetration

11. On the basis of Therapeutic use
1. Anti-biotic ointments
2. Anti-fungal ointments
3. Anti-inflammatory ointments
4. Anti-pruritic ointments
5. Counter Irritant ointments
6. Anti-dandruff ointments

12. 2. Creams
Creams are homogeneous, semi-solid preparations consisting of
opaque emulsion, lipophilic emulsifying agent. Their consistency
depend on the type of emulsion, either water-in-oil(w/o) or oil-
in–water(o/w), and on the nature of the solids in the internal
phase. Creams are intended for the application to the skin or
certain mucous membranes.
Examples :- Vanishing cream, Cold cream.

13. 3. Jellies
A semisolid dispersion systems containing a gelling agent in
sufficient quantities to impart a 3-dimensional polymeric matrix
•Provides a cooling sensation when applied to the skin
•Usually translucent and non-greasy.
•They are used for medication and lubrication.

14. 4. Pastes
• Pastes are basically ointments into which a high percentage
of insoluble solid dispersed in an aqueous or fatty vehicle.
• Pastes are less greasy and less penetrating than ointments
and do not flow at body temperature.
• Like ointments, pastes forms an unbroken, relatively water–
impermeable film, but unlike ointments the film is opaque
and therefore, an effective sun block accordingly. Skiers
apply pastes around the nose and lips to gain a dual
protection.
• Examples:
-Fatty pastes: e.g, zinc oxide paste
-toothpaste, mustard.

15. 5. Suppositories
Suppositories are semi-solid dosage forms intended for
insertion into body orifices (rectum, vagina, urethra) where
they melt, soften, or dissolve and exert a local or systemic
effect.
Local action: Rectal suppositories intended for localized action
are most frequently used to relieve constipation or pain,
irritation, itching, and inflammation associated with
hemorrhoids.
Systemic action: e.g., Antiasthmatic, antirheumatic & analgesic
drugs).

16. THANK YOU

17. Made by-
Mr. Suyash Jain
B Pharm(1stsem)
Department of Pharmaceutical
Sciences
Dr. HariSingh Gour Vishwavidyala
Sagar(M.P.)

18. References
1. Jain NK,Sharma SK,“A Textbook of Professional
Pharmacy”,Vallabh prakashan,Delhi,2016,edition-
6th,292-318.
2. Jones D“FASTtrack Pharmaceutics – Dosage Form
and Design”,Pharmaceutical Press London,
2008,edition- 1st ,75-88.