| ointment | An ointment has an oil base whereas a cream is water-soluble. (the word ointment comes from the latin ungere meaning anoint with oil). (12 Dec 1998) |
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| ointment base | The vehicle into which active ingredients may be incorporated. Petrolatum (which may be stiffened with wax) is the most widely used greasy ointment base and is suitable for the incorporation of oleaginous materials. Lin-containing bases will absorb water (and dissolved materials) and form water-in-oil type emulsions. Water soluble (washable) bases are often derived from polymers of ethylene glycol (PEGS); these will absorb water and ingredients dissolved in the water. Ointment bases are usually pharmacologically inert but may entrap water and serve to keep the skin from dying or to provide an emollient protective film. (05 Mar 2000) |
| ointment bases | Various mixtures of fats, waxes, animal and plant oils and solid and liquid hydrocarbons; vehicles for medicinal substances intended for external application; there are four classes: hydrocarbon base, absorption base, water-removable base and water-soluble base; several are also emollients. (12 Dec 1998) |
| ointments | Semisolid preparations used topically for protective emollient effects or as a vehicle for local administration of medicaments; ointment bases are various mixtures of fats, waxes, animal and plant oils and solid and liquid hydrocarbons. Synonym: salves; unctions; unguents. (12 Dec 1998) |