Which dosage form is a semisolid preparation in an aqueous or oily base for local protective, soothing, astringent, or dermal application?

Which dosage form is a semisolid preparation in an aqueous or oily base for local protective, soothing, astringent, or dermal application?

• A. Ointments
• B. Gels
• C. Creams
• D. Plasters

Answer: (A)

Ointments are semisolid topical forms designed for local protective and soothing action on the skin. They are prepared with a medicament dispersed in an oily (oleaginous) base or in a base that can absorb water, forming a protective, occlusive film that helps retain moisture and shield irritated skin. This occlusivity and emollient quality make them especially suitable for dry, chapped, or mildly inflamed skin and for delivering surface-acting medications. Gels are primarily aqueous or hydroalcoholic and feel cooling; they’re less occlusive and more spreadable, used mainly for soothing and local effects without the same protective film. Creams are emulsions (oil-in-water or water-in-oil) and are less greasy than ointments, offering good spread and cosmetic acceptability but not the same oil-based protective base. Plasters are solid adhesive sheets for prolonged topical contact, not semisolids.

Ointments are semisolid topical forms designed for local protective and soothing action on the skin. They are prepared with a medicament dispersed in an oily (oleaginous) base or in a base that can absorb water, forming a protective, occlusive film that helps retain moisture and shield irritated skin. This occlusivity and emollient quality make them especially suitable for dry, chapped, or mildly inflamed skin and for delivering surface-acting medications.

Gels are primarily aqueous or hydroalcoholic and feel cooling; they’re less occlusive and more spreadable, used mainly for soothing and local effects without the same protective film. Creams are emulsions (oil-in-water or water-in-oil) and are less greasy than ointments, offering good spread and cosmetic acceptability but not the same oil-based protective base. Plasters are solid adhesive sheets for prolonged topical contact, not semisolids.