Q1. Circle the best one answer for each of the following :

A topical dermatological product is designed to deliver drug:

a. Through percutaneous absorption.

b. Through the skin to the general circulation.

c. Into the skin in treating dermal disorders, with the skin as the target organ.

d. a&b.

e. All of the above.

When powdered substances are to be incorporated into hydrocarbon bases, the following agent may be used as the levigating agent:

  1. Vasline.
  2. Mineral oil.
  3. Water.
  4. Alcohol.
  5. Any of the above.

The highest degree of occlusion is provided by:

a.  Yellow Ointment USP and White Ointment USP have the same occlusivity but different water washability.

b.  Hydrophilic Petrolatum USP has high water washability and occlusivity.

c.  Modified Lanolin USP is lanolin processed to reduce the contents of free lanolin alcohols thus it has better water washability than Lanolin USP.

d.  Hydrophilic Ointment USP has better water washability compared to Polyethylene Glycol Ointment, NF.

e.  None of the above.

Identify the following ointment base:

Cholesterol 30 g

Stearyl alcohol 30 g

White wax 80 g

White petrolatum 80g

  1. Lanolin.
  2. Hydrophilic Petrolatum.
  3. Hydrophilic Ointment.
  4. White Ointment.
  5. None of the above.

Concerning extemporaneous compounding of ointments, choose the incorrect statement(s):

  1. The pharmacist may mix the components using a glass mortar and pestle, or a spatula on an ointment slab.

b.  If a levigating agent is needed, it is better to choose a volatile one about equal in volume to the solid material.

  1. Geometric dilution is used to incorporate powdered components within the base.
  2. a&b.
  3. All of the above.

The following type of ointment base does not contain oleaginous components:

  1. Oleaginous bases,
  2. Absorption bases,
  3. Water-removable bases,
  4. Water-soluble bases.
  5. c&d.

Concerning ophthalmic ointments and gels, the major route by which drugs enter the eye is simple diffusion via:

  1. The cornea for lipophilic drugs.
  2. The cornea for hydrophilic drugs.
  3. The conjunctiva and sclera of lipophilic drugs.
  4. All of the above.

Compared with ophthalmic solutions, ophthalmic ointments and gels will:

  1. Provide extended residence time on the surface of the eye.
  2. Decrease the duration of their surface effects.
  3. Increase bioavailability for absorption into the ocular tissues.
  4. a&c.
  5. All of the above.

Q2. Answer each of the following questions

1.  Natural balsams are usually mixed with an equal portion of castor oil before incorporation into a base. Justify.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

2.  Roller mills can be used in preparation of ointments. For what purpose?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

3