Liniments external preparations

Liniments Liniments are external preparations of a consistency thicker than water, but thinner than ointments, usually applied to the skin with a gentle rubbing of the hands. Liniments are among the oldest of dosage forms, along with related forms, such as plasters and ointments. The term came to its present use about 1600. Drying liniments are preparations which dry when smeared on the skin, forming a medicated film removable by water. 

Liniments are liquid, semi-liquid and some-times semi-solid preparation used externally on the skin. Liniments are counter-irritant and stimulating type and are massaged or rubbed into the skin, and must not be applied to the broken skin e.g. liniment turpentine. 

Lotions Lotions are fluid preparations, usually containing suspended insoluble material and applied externally. They are different from liniments by being aqueous, rather than oleaginous or alcoholic in nature. Lotions were official in the first National Formulary (1888). In the mid-nineteenth century, lotions were often applied by wetting linen and placing on the affected area. ° ... 

Within the UK, the term For external use only is used on any preparation intended for external use. The Medicines Act 1968 defines products for external use as embrocations, liniments, lotions, liquid antiseptics, other liquids or gels for external use. 

Actions and Uses.—Internally —Cathartic and diuretic, but chiefly employed as an antacid, as an antidote to poisoning by the mineral acids, and in the preparation of clysters. Externally —Stimulant to sprains and contusions also applied to burns and scalds to diminish the irritation and pain by excluding air. Likewise employed as an excipient in making up boluses, liniments, and oint-... 

Fatty oils and fat-like substances - Fats and oils are esters of glycerin and higher fatty adds. In pure form, oils (castor, sea-buckthom and others) are used as remedies or as solvents for pharmaceutical substances. Fatty oils are used in medicine to make ointments, liniments and emollients, and for skin care and therapeutic massage. Some oils have therapeutic action. For example castor oil is used as a puigative and sea-buckthom is used internally to treat stomach and duodenal ulcers and externally for skin bums. Plant waxes, sterols and other substances are fat-like substances. Some of them are used in medidnal preparations. Unsaturated fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, linolenic, palmitic and other acids) prevent development of atherosclerosis. They are contained in plant seeds (almond, sunflower, flax and others), and fruits (olives and sea-buckthom). 

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