Common Dosage Forms: Creams, Ointments, and Suppositories

Which statement best defines a cream in pharmaceutics?

• Solid dosage inserted in body orifices to melt

• Semisolid dosage with substances dispersed in base

• Viscous homogeneous semisolid for external use only

• Dry, finely divided solid used internally or externally

What distinguishes an ointment from a cream in typical use?

• Ointments are sterile for ocular instillation

• Ointments are cooling and easily washable

• Ointments dissolve to exert systemic action

• Ointments are occlusive and greasy, protective

Suppositories primarily bypass which pharmacokinetic process?

• Renal tubular reabsorption

• Protein binding in plasma

• Pulmonary gas exchange

• First-pass metabolism in the liver

Which base type is described as highly compatible, occlusive, and good emollients?

• Emulsion bases with surfactant micelles

• Oleaginous bases with lipid components

• Water-soluble bases with polymer gels

• Absorption bases forming w/o emulsions

Water-soluble bases have which advantage in topical formulations?

• Do not support microbial growth, easy wash

• Provide prolonged contact, highly greasy

• Create strong occlusion, reduce transepidermal loss

• Melt at body temperature, enhance rectal absorption

Which characteristic is typical of creams when applied to skin?

• Cooling effect, washable, cosmetically acceptable

• Sterile delivery to ocular tissues directly

• Greasy film, occlusive, prolonged contact

• Rapid melting in rectal cavity for absorption

Which property makes ointments suitable for protective barriers?

• Chemically unstable composition

• Occlusive and greasy nature

• Rapid dissolution in mucosal fluids

• Water-washable formulation

Suppositories can provide which therapeutic scope?

• Only antimicrobial surface action

• Local or systemic effects

• Only topical superficial effects

• Only ocular tissue delivery

Which definition best fits pharmaceutical powders?

• Dry, finely divided solids for various uses

• Solid inserts for vaginal or rectal delivery

• Semisolid emulsions for topical application

• Sterile liquid drops for instillation

Ophthalmic preparations must meet which critical requirement?

• Greasy occlusive base selection

• Ability to melt at body temperature

• Sterility for ocular instillation

• Powder reconstitution before use