Topical ointment: an updated review

Abstract

The main advantage of topical delivery system is to bypass the first pass metabolism, avoidance of the risk and annoyance of intravenous therapy and of the varied conditions of absorption, like pH changes, gastric emptying time and presence of enzyme. The skin is an organ, which consists of the epidermis, the dermis and the hypodermis. Its main functions are to protect and enclose the body, to regulate body temperature, eliminate waste materials, aid in absorption and in the perception of stimuli such as touch, pain, temperature and pressure. The skin has a slightly acidic pH that ranges between 4 and 6.This forms an effective antiseptic layer and retards the growth of bacteria and fungi on the skin surface.

Key Words:  Topical ointment, Skin, medicated ointment.