SUPPOSITORIES

Solid dosage form intended for insertion into body orifices where they melt,
soften, dissolve and exert localized/ systemic effect
3 types of Suppositories
o Rectal suppositories
Cylindrical or bullet shape
32mm (1 inch) in length
Weight 2 grams (adult), 1 gram (children)
o Urethral suppositories
(bougies) and inserts
Slender or pencil shape
<M>: weight 4g, 140 mm long, 3-6mm diameter; 2g
<F>: 70mm long and weighs 1g
Used for dilation of uterus, anti-infective agent and erectile
dysfunction
o Vaginal suppositories
(pessaries)
Globular, oviform, cone-shaped
Weights 5 grams
Used as anti-fungal, anti-infective and as contraceptive
3 methods of preparation
o Molding from a melt/ fusion method
o Compression method
o Hand rolling and shaping
Most commonly used suppositories base:
o Cocoa butter or theobroma oil commonly used
o Witepool base contain natural s.fatty acid chain b/w C12 and C18
o Wecobee base derived from coconut oil

OINTMENTS

Salve, Chrisma applied via inunction (Rubbing)

Semi-solid preparation intended for external application to skin
Medicated or immedicated (protectant, emolluents or lubricants)
Ointment base vesicle for medicated ointment
Characteristics of ointment
o There should be reduced grittiness homogenous, smooth
o Not dispense when rancid
o Easily spreadable
4 types of ointment base:
o Hydrocarbon base/ oleaginous base
Emollient effect, effective as occlusive dressing and can remain
in the skin for a long time
Immiscible with H2O

Petroleum, white petroleum, yellow ointment (Apis Mellipera

(bee) Honeycomb
Absorption base
o Not easily removed from skin; needs to be incorporated w/ aqueous
solution
o Example
Hydrophilic (Aquaphar) petroleum, lanolin (ovis aries) wool of
sheep
Water Removable base
o Oil-in-water emulsion
Example
Hydrophilic ointment
Water Soluble base
o Do not contain oleaginous components
o Example
PEG (Polyethylene Glycol)
Preparation of ointments
o Incorporation (cold method)
Components are mixed until uniform preparation is obtain
M&P, spatula and ointment slab
Large scale: ointment roller milk
o Fusion method (Heat method)
Melted or cooled together with constant stirring until congealed
Small scale: porcelain dish (evaporating dish) + beaker
Large scale: large steam jacketed kettle ointment mill
Containers:
Jar
o Clear, amber or plastic
Ointment tubes
Medicated ointment
o Active ingredient is incorporated in the ointment base
o Example
Zinc oxide ointment, Sulfur ointment