How Are Ointments Prepared and Used in Biology?
The pharmaceutical formulations are developed in such a way that they can deliver the active ingredients or medications to the targeted site and provide therapeutic effects. One such application method is an ointment. It is a formulation containing therapeutic substances that can be applied topically or over the skin. In this section, we will learn about the development process and application of ointment in different aspects. Keep on reading to find the definition and description of the process of formulating ointments in the pharmaceutical industry.
What is Ointment?
An oil-based topical formulation with a semi-solid texture and a greasy appearance that can be applied to the skin is called an ointment. As per the ointment meaning, the therapeutic substances are dispersed in the medium. The medium generally has 80% oil and 20% water. As you can easily understand that the water medium is mixed evenly with the oil medium to prepare a thick suspension.
This formulation is prepared in such a way that it can deliver a thick and viscous application. The viscosity of an ointment preparation ensures that the medicines in it will be properly absorbed through the skin. In fact, ointments are also used to cure infections. The availability of the therapeutic substances in the application of ointment is much higher and suitable for skin diseases.
As per the technical ointment definition, every preparation has a specific number that signifies the amount or percentage of water content in the formulation. This is called the water number. The degree of emollition is also determined by the level of viscosity of the formulation. The more water it contains the better it will spread and get absorbed. Despite the fact, it is made viscous for special application purposes. If you notice the formulation of creams, you will find a higher percentage of water content than ointments.
Where Ointments are Applied?
You will find a plethora of application of ointment in different parts of our body. As mentioned earlier, the ointment meaning refers to the topical application of this formulation. An ointment is prepared for applying on the skin and mucosal region of our body such as anywhere on the skin, chest, nose, anus, mucous membrane of the eyes, etc. You will be astonished to know that an ointment can be categorized as prescribed or over-the-counter drugs. Due to the viscosity rate, the application remains on the skin and does not get easily removed. This method of preparation confirms the availability of the medications in the affected area for a longer period.
The medications disperse in the oil or water base. When applied topically, the ointment base carries the pharmaceutical substances on the skin cells. When absorbed, the ointment base loses its integrity and releases the medications properly. This is how an ointment acts on the topical portion of our body. This type of medicine works excellently but the greasy formulations are sometimes hated by the patients.
How Ointments are Prepared?
If you observe the ointment definition carefully, you will understand that a formulation must have a base to disperse the therapeutic substances and to apply them on the topical portion of a human body. The preparation is not that simple as a complex base is prepared by mixing oil and water together.
To understand how an ointment is prepared, you need to define the meaning of an ointment base. It is considered as the pharmaceutical vehicle that contains the medicinal substances dispersed uniformly throughout the formulation. Let us check the different kinds of vehicles used to define ointment formulation and its stability.
Absorption Base
A base or vehicle with a specific oleaginous composition that contains one or more emulsifiers is called an absorption base when it can easily absorb water. The water absorbed disperses evenly to form a water-in-oil emulsion ideal for the preparation of different kinds of ointments. Wool fat and beeswax are used for such purposes.
Emulsifying Bases
Emulsions are prepared by introducing water in oil or oil in water. In this aspect, an emulsifying base is prepared by introducing water into the oil system to disperse therapeutic substances. This base acts as a carrier for ointment preparation. The most common bases in this category are emulsifying wax and cetrimide.
Hydrocarbon Bases
In the same way, when hydrocarbons are used as oil bases where water will be introduced, they are called hydrocarbon bases. The most common examples where hydrocarbons are used are ceresin, hard paraffin, soft paraffin, and microcrystalline wax.
Vegetable Oil Bases
In this case, natural vegetable oils are used as the oil base. The water medium is introduced in these oil bases and an ointment base is prepared. These bases are used generally in cosmetics. The most common vegetable oils used for this purpose are almond oil, olive oil, coconut oil, peanut oil, etc.
This is how we can answer what is ointment in the pharmacy and cosmetics industry.
Conclusion
Check the definition of ointments and learn what is ointment used for. Study this section and discover how these formulations are prepared. This is the perfect example of emulsions used in the pharmaceutical industry for preparing medicines.
FAQs on Ointment in Biology: Definition, Preparation & Uses
1. What is an ointment in a biological or pharmaceutical context?
An ointment is a viscous, semi-solid topical preparation intended for external application to the skin or mucous membranes. It is typically greasy due to its high oil content (often an 80% oil and 20% water emulsion). Its primary functions are to serve as a vehicle for delivering active medication, to act as a protective barrier, or to provide a soothing (emollient) effect on the skin.
2. What are the essential components that make up a typical ointment?
A standard ointment formulation consists of several key components:
- Ointment Base: This is the main vehicle that carries the drug. The type of base (e.g., hydrocarbon, absorption) determines the ointment's properties.
- Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API): The medicated substance that provides the therapeutic effect.
- Preservatives: Added to prevent the growth of microbes like bacteria and fungi, especially in bases that contain water.
- Antioxidants: Included to prevent the degradation of the oily components of the base due to oxidation.
3. What are the common uses of ointments in medicine?
Ointments are used for a variety of medical purposes, including:
- Topical Drug Delivery: Applying medications like antibiotics, steroids, and antifungals directly to the affected area.
- Protective Barrier: Shielding the skin from external irritants and preventing moisture loss, which is useful for conditions like diaper rash.
- Emollient Action: Soothing, hydrating, and softening dry, chapped, or scaly skin.
- Wound Healing: Creating a moist, protected environment to promote the healing of minor burns, scrapes, and wounds.
4. What are the main classifications of ointment bases, with examples?
Ointment bases are generally classified into four main types based on their composition and properties:
- Hydrocarbon (Oleaginous) Bases: These are oily and form an occlusive film on the skin. Example: White Petrolatum, Simple Ointment.
- Absorption Bases: These can absorb water to form water-in-oil emulsions. Example: Lanolin, Hydrophilic Petrolatum.
- Water-Removable Bases: These are oil-in-water emulsions (creams) that are easily washed off with water. Example: Hydrophilic Ointment.
- Water-Soluble Bases: These are greaseless and completely soluble in water. Example: Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Ointment.
5. How is an ointment typically prepared using the trituration method?
The trituration method is a common technique for preparing ointments, especially on a smaller scale. The process involves grinding the solid medicinal ingredients into a very fine powder using a mortar and pestle. A small amount of the ointment base is then added and mixed (levigated) with the powder to form a smooth paste. Finally, the rest of the base is gradually incorporated in small portions until a uniform, homogeneous ointment is achieved.
6. How do ointments differ from creams and gels?
The primary difference lies in their composition and consistency. Ointments are predominantly oil-based, greasy, and form an occlusive barrier, making them ideal for very dry skin. Creams are emulsions of oil and water (with more water than ointments), making them less greasy and more easily absorbed. Gels are typically water-based and oil-free, providing a non-greasy, lightweight preparation with a cooling effect.
7. Why is the choice of an ointment base so critical for drug delivery?
The ointment base is not just a passive carrier; it plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of the medication. The base controls the rate of drug release from the preparation to the skin. An occlusive base, like petrolatum, hydrates the skin by trapping moisture, which can significantly enhance the penetration of the active drug. Conversely, a water-soluble base might release the drug more quickly but offer less skin penetration. Therefore, the base is selected to match the desired therapeutic outcome and the specific drug's properties.
8. What factors are considered when evaluating the quality and effectiveness of an ointment?
Several parameters are evaluated to ensure an ointment is safe and effective:
- Drug Content Uniformity: Ensures the active ingredient is evenly distributed throughout the base.
- Penetration and Absorption: Measures how well the drug can pass through the skin layers to reach its target.
- Rate of Drug Release: Assesses how quickly the medication is released from the base.
- Consistency: Checks for the appropriate smoothness, viscosity, and spreadability.
- Irritancy: Tests to ensure the formulation does not cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
