Which term describes a pharmaceutical preparation in which two agents that cannot ordinarily be mixed are combined, typically with oil dispersed in water?

Which term describes a pharmaceutical preparation in which two agents that cannot ordinarily be mixed are combined, typically with oil dispersed in water?

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

Answer: (B)

Emulsions are mixtures where two immiscible liquids are combined with an emulsifier so one liquid forms droplets dispersed in the other. In pharmacy, this lets an oil phase be distributed in a continuous water phase (oil-in-water) or vice versa. The scenario described—oil dispersed in water—fits an oil-in-water emulsion, a common liquid dosage form for topical or oral use, stabilized to prevent separation. Gels rely on a gel network to hold liquid, and while creams or ointments can be emulsions themselves, emulsions describe the general category of mixing immiscible liquids.

Emulsions are mixtures where two immiscible liquids are combined with an emulsifier so one liquid forms droplets dispersed in the other. In pharmacy, this lets an oil phase be distributed in a continuous water phase (oil-in-water) or vice versa. The scenario described—oil dispersed in water—fits an oil-in-water emulsion, a common liquid dosage form for topical or oral use, stabilized to prevent separation. Gels rely on a gel network to hold liquid, and while creams or ointments can be emulsions themselves, emulsions describe the general category of mixing immiscible liquids.