Dermatological preparations constituents

In general, the preparation of such formulations as poultices and pastes is extemporaneous, and it is unlikely that the industrial pharmaceutical formulator will be required to develop stable, safe and efficacious products of this type. Solutions and powders lack staying power (retention time) on the skin and can only afford transient relief. In modern-day pharmaceutical practice, semi-solid formulations are preferred vehicles for dermatological therapy because they remain in situ and deliver their drug payload over extended periods. In the majority of cases, therefore, the developed formulation will be an ointment, emulsion or a gel. Typical constituents for these types of formulations are shown in Table 14.5. 

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