Tag: Oleaginous bases

According to dermatological studies, the selection of an ointment base is crucial for effective drug delivery, as it depends on the patient's skin condition and desired therapeutic effect. Knowing what are the three types of ointment bases—oleaginous, absorption, and water-miscible—is foundational for compounding topical medications.

In pharmaceutical compounding, a medication's base can drastically affect its efficacy, and the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) officially classifies what are the 4 ointment bases used in formulations. These distinct types—oleaginous, absorption, water-removable, and water-soluble—each possess unique properties influencing drug release, hydration, and washability.