Cream (pharmacy): Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 06:35, 16 February 2025

Cream (pharmacy)[edit]

A cream is a topical preparation used in pharmacy for the application of medication to the skin. Creams are semi-solid emulsions, which are mixtures of oil and water. They are designed to be absorbed into the skin, providing a medium for the delivery of active ingredients.

Composition[edit]

Creams are typically composed of a mixture of water, oil, and an emulsifying agent. The emulsifying agent helps to stabilize the mixture, preventing the oil and water from separating. The ratio of oil to water can vary, resulting in different types of creams, such as oil-in-water (O/W) or water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions.

Oil-in-Water (O/W) Creams[edit]

In O/W creams, water is the continuous phase and oil is the dispersed phase. These creams are generally non-greasy and are easily washed off with water. They are often used for their cooling and soothing effects on the skin.

Water-in-Oil (W/O) Creams[edit]

In W/O creams, oil is the continuous phase and water is the dispersed phase. These creams are more greasy and provide a barrier on the skin, which can be beneficial for dry skin conditions.

Uses[edit]

Creams are used for a variety of purposes in dermatology and medicine. They can be used to deliver medications such as antibiotics, steroids, and antifungals directly to the skin. Creams are also used for moisturizing and protecting the skin.

Application[edit]

The application of creams involves spreading a thin layer over the affected area of the skin. It is important to follow the instructions provided by a healthcare professional or the product label to ensure proper use.

Advantages and Disadvantages[edit]

Advantages[edit]

Easy to apply and spread over large areas of skin.
Can be formulated to provide specific therapeutic effects.
Non-greasy formulations are cosmetically acceptable.

Disadvantages[edit]

May require preservatives to prevent microbial growth.
Some formulations can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Cream (pharmacy)''' is a type of [[pharmaceutical dosage form]] that is semi-solid at room temperature, and contains a mixture of one or more [[drug substances]] dissolved or dispersed in a suitable base. The base is usually oil, water, or a mixture of the two. Creams are used to deliver medication to or through the skin.
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Cream (pharmacy)}}
+== Cream (pharmacy) ==
+[[File:Cream_in_round_container.jpg|thumb|right|A container of pharmaceutical cream]]
+A '''cream''' is a topical preparation used in [[pharmacy]] for the application of medication to the skin. Creams are semi-solid emulsions, which are mixtures of oil and water. They are designed to be absorbed into the skin, providing a medium for the delivery of active ingredients.
 == Composition ==
-Creams are composed of a mixture of [[oil]] and [[water]]. The oil component, also known as the oil phase, can be a variety of substances including [[petrolatum]], [[mineral oil]], or [[vegetable oil]]. The water component, or water phase, is often just purified water, but can also include other ingredients that are soluble in water. The oil and water phases are combined using an [[emulsifier]], which helps to stabilize the mixture and prevent the oil and water from separating.
+Creams are typically composed of a mixture of [[water]], [[oil]], and an [[emulsifying agent]]. The emulsifying agent helps to stabilize the mixture, preventing the oil and water from separating. The ratio of oil to water can vary, resulting in different types of creams, such as oil-in-water (O/W) or water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions.
-== Types of Creams ==
+=== Oil-in-Water (O/W) Creams ===
-There are several types of creams used in pharmacy, including:
+In O/W creams, water is the continuous phase and oil is the dispersed phase. These creams are generally non-greasy and are easily washed off with water. They are often used for their cooling and soothing effects on the skin.
-* '''[[Ointment]]s''': These are oil-based creams that are used topically on the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.
+=== Water-in-Oil (W/O) Creams ===
-* '''[[Lotion]]s''': These are water-based creams that are more fluid than ointments and can be applied to large areas of the skin.
+In W/O creams, oil is the continuous phase and water is the dispersed phase. These creams are more greasy and provide a barrier on the skin, which can be beneficial for dry skin conditions.
-* '''[[Emulsion]]s''': These are creams in which one liquid is dispersed in another liquid in the form of tiny droplets.
 == Uses ==
-Creams are used for a variety of purposes in pharmacy. They can be used to deliver medication to the skin to treat conditions such as [[eczema]], [[psoriasis]], and [[acne]]. They can also be used to deliver medication through the skin, in a process known as [[transdermal delivery]]. This method is used for medications such as [[nicotine]] patches and certain types of [[pain relief]] medication.
+Creams are used for a variety of purposes in [[dermatology]] and [[medicine]]. They can be used to deliver [[medication]]s such as [[antibiotics]], [[steroids]], and [[antifungals]] directly to the skin. Creams are also used for [[moisturizing]] and protecting the skin.
+== Application ==
+The application of creams involves spreading a thin layer over the affected area of the skin. It is important to follow the instructions provided by a healthcare professional or the product label to ensure proper use.
+== Advantages and Disadvantages ==
+=== Advantages ===
+* Easy to apply and spread over large areas of skin.
+* Can be formulated to provide specific therapeutic effects.
+* Non-greasy formulations are cosmetically acceptable.
-== Preparation ==
+=== Disadvantages ===
-The preparation of creams involves several steps. First, the oil and water phases are prepared separately. The oil phase often involves heating to melt any solid ingredients. The water phase often involves heating to dissolve any soluble ingredients. Once the two phases are prepared, they are slowly combined while being mixed continuously. Once the cream has cooled and solidified, it can be packaged and is ready for use.
+* May require preservatives to prevent microbial growth.
+* Some formulations can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
-== See Also ==
+== Related pages ==
 * [[Ointment]]
 * [[Lotion]]
+* [[Topical medication]]
 * [[Emulsion]]
-* [[Pharmaceutical dosage form]]
-* [[Transdermal delivery]]
-[[Category:Pharmacy]]
+[[Category:Pharmaceuticals]]
-[[Category:Pharmaceutical dosage forms]]
+[[Category:Dermatology]]
-[[Category:Skin care]]
-{{medicine-stub}}