Products
Ointments are commercially available as medicinal products, medical devices and cosmetics. In colloquial language, ointments refer to various semi-solid preparations. In pharmacy, however, ointments are distinguished from creams, pastes and gels.
Structure and properties
Ointments are semi-solid preparations for external use. They consist of a single-phase base in which solid or liquid substances may be dispersed. This is in contrast to creams, which are multiphase and consist of a lipophilic and an aqueous phase. The pharmacopoeia distinguishes between hydrophobic ointments, water-absorbing ointments and hydrophilic ointments. Ointments may also contain emulsifiers and water. For example, fatty oils, fats, waxes, petroleum products such as petrolatum and kerosenes, triglycerides and macrogols (PEG) can be used in the manufacture of ointments (see under ointment base). In addition to preparations for use on the skin, special ointments such as eye ointments and nasal ointments are also produced.
Effects
Ointments have skin-caring, skin-protecting, water-repelling (hydrophobic), and hydrating properties. They are typically greasy, less rapidly absorbed than creams, and have a deep water content. However, these characteristic properties do not apply to all preparations.
Indications for use
Ointments are mainly used for skin care, skin protection, prevention and treatment of skin diseases, wounds and injuries. They are also used for local or systemic administration of active ingredients.
Adverse effects
Adverse effects depend on the active ingredients used. Possible side effects of ointments include local reactions and allergic reactions.
