This document outlines the classification and types of semisolid dosage forms, including ointments, creams, pastes, gels, and poultices, along with their respective bases and applications. It highlights the advantages of semisolid forms, such as ease of application and prolonged action, while also addressing disadvantages, including issues with dose accuracy and potential irritation. Overall, semisolid dosage forms offer unique benefits for topical administration but come with challenges in formulation and patient use.

1. SEMISOLID DOSAGE
FORMS
Dr. P. R. Chavan
Pharm D

2. Classification

3. 1. Ointments:
 Semisolid dosage forms for external use
containing with or without medicaments with
suitable ointment base
 Either Medicated Or Non Medicated

4. Types
 Medicated
Either dissolved or dispersed in a vehicle as fine
powder e.g steroids.
 Unmedicated
Unmedicated ointments are used for physical
effects such as protectants or lubricants

5. OINTMENT BASES
Ointment bases are classified into four general
groups. .
 Oleaginous bases.
 Absorption bases.
 Water-removable bases/ emulsion bases.
 Water-soluble bases.

6. OLEAGINOUS BASES
(HYDROCARBON BASES)
 On application to skin they have an emollient
effect.
 Protect against escape of moisture.
 They are effective as occlusive dressings.
 Immiscible with water and difficult to wash off.

7.  They can remain on skin for longer periods
without drying out.
 Water and aqueous solutions in small amounts
can be incorporated with small difficulty. . .
 When powdered substances are to be
incorrporated liquid petrolatum is used as
levigating agent.

8. THEY INCLUDE
 Petrolatum .
 white petrolatum .
 Yellow ointment .
 White ointment

9. ABSORPTION BASES
 Two types those that permit incorporation of
aqueous solutions resulting in formation of w/o
emulsions . . those that are already w/o
emulsions and permit incorporation of
additional quantity of aqueous solution

10. THEY INCLUDE
 Lanolin
 Anhydrous Lanolin
 Cold Cream

11. WATER REMOVABLE BASES
(EMULSIFYING BASES)
 They are oil in water emulsions having an
emulsifier which makes them readily miscible with
water.
 They may be diluted with water or aqueous
solutions. . .
 Because of their surface active property they
facilitate contact b/w skin and medicament
 Readily water washable

12. THEY INCLUDE
 Hydrophillic Ointments .
 Vanishing Creams

13. WATER SOLUBLE BASES
 Unlike other bases they contain only water
soluble components (greaseless bases) .
 They are completely water washable .
 Aqueous solutions can not be incorporated
efficiently because they soften greatly with
water addition

14.  They mostly are used for incorporation of solid
substances .
 These bases are used for local anaesthetics
and are used when easy washing from skin is
required .
 They include:
Peg ointment

15. 2. Creams:
 Semisolid dosage forms for external use
containing with or without medicaments with
suitable fatty base

16. types
 Aqueous - o/w
EA- anionic, cationic, and nonionic waxes,
polysoebates and triethanolamine soaps
 Oily – w/o
EA- wool fat,wool alcohols, beeswax, calcium
soap

17. 3. Paste:
 Semisolid dosage forms for external use
containing high proportion of finely powdered
medicaments with suitable fatty base – zinc
oxide, calcium carbonate, starch etc
 Antiseptic, protective, soothing dressing

18. 4. Gels:
 Transparent semisolid dosage forms for
external use containing hydrophilic or
hydrophobic base with gelling agents

19. 5. Poultices:
 Semisolid dosage forms for external use
containing medicaments applied to the skin to
hold the dressing and protective

20. Advantages of semi-solid
dosage forms:
 The major advantage of a semi-solid dosage form
is that it can be applied directly to the affected
area, it gives prolong the action, and does not
need to be administered orally.
 It is convenient for unconscious patients or
patients, such as children and old people, for
whom oral administration is difficult.
 Semisolid dosage forms are more stable in
atmospheric conditions than liquid dosage forms
and solid dosage forms.

21. Cont..
 It is suitable for those APIs that are low-density,
amorphous hygroscopic.
 Different drugs and excipients or ingredients can
be added together to form a single dose.
 It gives better adhesion and lasts long after
application, hence the medicament give longer
action.
 It is washable after each use.

22. Cont..
 It is used externally, thereby reducing the risk of
side effects.
 It does not harm the gastrointestinal tract, as it
does not need to be taken orally.
 The semi-solid dosage form is more convenient
for patients than other forms of drug
administration.
 It is suitable for medicines with a bitter taste, as it
does not need to be taken orally.

23. Disadvantages of semi-solid
dosage forms:
 The major disadvantage of the semi-solid
dosage form is that it has no dose accuracy
and it needs to be applied directly.
 In general, Pharmaceutical creams, ointments,
gels, suppositories, and paste are greasy and
they difficult to clean.
 The semi-solid dosage form is less stable than
the solid dosage form.

24. Cont..
 The need to apply with the fingers every
time can cause contamination.
 Some patients may become irritation or
allergic.
 Semisolid dosage forms are usually a
costly dosage because its manufacturing
process is complex.

25. Cont..
 Semisolid dosage forms are Physio-
chemically less stable compared with the
solid dosage form.
 Clothing staining is often associated with
the use of creams, ointments, gels, and
paste.
 The base used in the dose may be
oxidized.