2. Introduction
• Semi solids are the topical dosage form used
for the therapeutic, protective or cosmetic
function. They may be applied to the skin, or
used nasally, vaginally, or rectally…
3. Site of applications of SSD
• Semi-solid dosage (SSD) forms
are a type of medication that is
neither solid nor liquid; they are
somewhere in between the two
states. These medications are
applied to the skin, nasal mucosa,
cornea, rectal or vaginal tissue
(often via suppository), buccal
tissue, ear, or urethral membrane.
4. Rationales behind SSD
Fewer side effects
First pass metabolism is avoided.
Local action.
Convenient for unconscious
patient or patient having
difficulty on oral
administration.
Suitable dosage form for bitter
taste drugs.
More stable than liquid dosage
form
5. Disadvantages of semi-solid dosage
form
no dosage accuracy
The base which is used in the semi-solid dosage form can be
easily oxidized.
May cause staining.
They are bulky to handle.
Application with finger may cause contamination.
less stable than solid dosage form.
May cause irritation or allergy to some patients
6. IDEAL PROPERTIES OF
SEMISOLIDS
Elegant in
appearance
Non
dehydrating
Non gritty
Smooth
texture
Non
hygroscopic
Non greasy
and non
staining
1. PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES
7. IDEAL PROPERTIES OF SEMISOLIDS
3. APPLICATION
PROPERTIES
.
Non irritating
Do not alter
membrane
functioning
2. PHYSIOLOGICAL
PROPERTIES
High aqueous
wash ability.
Easily
applicable with
efficient drug
release
9. BASES
• It is one of the most important ingredient used
in formulation of semisolid dosage form.
Ointment bases do not merely act as the
carriers of the medicaments, but they also
control the extent of absorption of
medicaments incorporated in them.
10. CLASSIFICATION OF BASES
Ointments bases are classified by
the USP into four general
groups:
A- hydrocarbon bases (oleaginous bases)
(Petrolatum , Paraffin, Lanolin…..)
B- absorption bases (cold
cream, anhydrus lanolin …)
C- water-removable bases ( oil in water)
D- water-soluble bases (polyethylene glycol)
11. ANTIOXIDANTS
Oxygen is a highly reactive atom that is
capable of becoming part of potentially
damaging molecules commonly called “free
radicals.”
12. PERMEATION ENHANCERS :
• Skin can act as a barrier. With the introduction
of various penetration enhancers, penetration
of the drug through the skin can be improved.
13. EMULSIFIER
• An emulsifier (emulgent) is a substance that
stabilizes an emulsion by increasing its kinetic
stability.
14. Antimicrobial preservatives
- To inhibit the growth of contaminating microorganisms, So
require the addition of chemical antimicrobial preservatives to the
formulation
-E.G. para-hydroxybenzoates (parabens)
15. Ointments
Ointments are homogenous, translucent, viscous semi-solid
preparations, most commonly a greasy, thick oil (oil 80% -
water 20%) intended for external application to the skin or
mucous membrane. Ointments may be medicated or non-
medicated They are used as:
- Emollient
- lubricant
- Protective
- Therapeutic
- Prophylactic purpose
16. When to use ointments????
•Ointments are thicker than creams and lotions,
making them ideal for treating conditions like
eczema, as they also provide a layer of protection
for the skin.
18. Evaluation of ointments
A- Penetration
• Weighed quantities of the ointments are rubbed over definite
areas of the skin for a given length of time. Thereafter the
unabsorbed ointment is collected from the skin and weighed.
The difference between the two weights roughly
represents the amount absorbed.
19. B- RATE OF RELEASE OF MEDICAMENT:
• To assess rate of release of medicament, small
amount of the ointment can be placed on the surface
of nutrient agar contained in a Petri dish.
20. C- ABSORPTION OF MEDICAMENT INTO BLOOD
STREAM:
• Definite amount of ointments should be rubbed
through the skin. Under standard conditions and
medicaments are estimated in the blood plasma or
urine
21. Pharmaceutical creams are semisolid
preparations containing one or more
medicinal agents dissolved in either an
o/w or w/o emulsion.. Their
consistency depend on the type of
emulsion, and on the nature of the
solids in the internal phase.
22. GELS
• Gels are homogeneous,
clear, semisolid systems
consisting of dispersions
of small or large
molecules in an aqueous
liquid vehicle rendered
jellylike by the addition
of a gelling agent.
23. LOTIONS
• Lotion is a low-viscosity topical preparation intended for
application to the skin.
• lotion may be used as a medicine delivery system, many
lotions, especially hand lotions and body lotions and lotion
for allergies are meant instead to simply smooth, moisturize,
soften and, sometimes, perfume the skin.
• Some skincare products, such as sunscreen and moisturizer,
may be available in multiple formats, such as lotions.
