Get Topical Medication Form Aug 2007.doc

Topical formulations are made up in a vehicle, or base, which may be optimised for a particular site of the body or type of skin condition. The product may be designed to be moisturising or to maximise the penetration of an active ingredient, often a medicine, into or through the skin.

Topical agents are used locally, where the medicine is applied on the area being treated. For example creams, ointment and lotions are applied topically on the skin. Eye drops are instilled directly into the eyes.

A well-known example is a corticosteroid cream applied to an area of skin affected by atopic eczema. The formulation is engineered to deliver the corticosteroid drug into the dermal tissue and thereby ameliorate the condition.

What forms do topical medications come in? Pastes. Ointments. Oils. Creams. Gels. Tinctures. Powders. Sprays.

Topical products are generally available in various forms such as liquids, ointments, gels, creams, and foams. In terms of complexity, the product can be a simple homogenous viscous solution or semisolid solution, or a suspension of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in the semisolid vehicle.

Topical agents are used locally, where the medicine is applied on the area being treated. For example creams, ointment and lotions are applied topically on the skin. Eye drops are instilled directly into the eyes.