Pharmaceutical Lotions.
Definition and Overview
A lotion is a low- to medium-viscosity topical preparation, which may be medicated or non-
medicated.
A pharmaceutical lotion is defined as a topical liquid dosage form intended for external
application to the skin.
Lotions are generally aqueous preparations containing one or more active ingredients that are
dispersed, dissolved, or emulsified in water.
They are less viscous than creams or ointments.
Lotions spread easily over large body surfaces.
They are usually applied to unbroken skin using bare hands, a clean cloth, cotton wool, or
gauze.
Key Characteristics and Advantages
Low Viscosity: They are more fluid compared to creams or gels.
Easy Application: Lotions are readily applied to regions of hairy skin, such as the scalp, making
them more appropriate for these areas than creams.
Cooling Effect: A significant characteristic is the cooling effect caused by the rapid
evaporation of the water content upon application.
This cooling effect makes them suitable for application to acutely inflamed areas.
The cooling effect may be enhanced by including alcohol.
Non-Greasy: Lotions are typically water-based, meaning they usually do not leave an oily
residue.
Economical Coverage: Lotions can be spread thinly, compared to a cream or ointment, allowing
them to economically cover a larger area of skin.
Suitable for Specific Lesions: They are good for acute, inflamed, or weeping lesions where
occlusion is not desirable.
Formulation Types
Lotions can be solutions, suspensions, or emulsions. Most commonly, they are oil-in-water
(O/W) emulsions.
Solution Lotions- Active drug is dissolved in an aqueous vehicle. [Link] lotion with
dissolved additives.
Suspension Lotions- Finely divided insoluble drug is dispersed in water. These are sometimes
referred to as ‘shake lotions’.
Ex. Calamine lotion (containing zinc oxide and ferric oxide).
Emulsion Lotions- Usually oil-in-water (O/W) type, used for moisturizing or delivering
lipophilic drugs. Ex. Moisturizing body lotions.
Formulation
The key components include the aqueous and oily phases, and an emulsifying agent.
Active Ingredients: Include antibiotics, antiseptics, antifungals, corticosteroids, anti-acne
agents, antihistamines, and soothing/protective agents (like calamine).
Vehicle: Usually water-based, sometimes hydroalcoholic.
Suspending/Emulsifying Agents: Added to prevent separation or assist dispersion of insoluble
powders. Examples include emulsifying wax, bentonite, carbomers, and surfactants.
Preservatives: Required to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Examples include parabens
and benzyl alcohol.
Humectants: Used to retain moisture or promote adherence of residual powder. Examples are
glycerin (or glycerol) and propylene glycol.
Solid Particles: Must be in a finely divided state to avoid grittiness.
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Therapeutic and Cosmetic Uses
Lotions are used for medical treatment, skin care, and other accessories.
Medication Delivery: Used for the topical delivery of various medications.
Soothing and Protection: Provide soothing and protective effects in conditions such as eczema,
sunburn, and insect bites.
Antipruritic: They are used to relieve itching.
Anti-Acne: Noncomedogenic lotions (nonocclusive lotions that do not block skin pores) are
recommended for use on acne-prone skin, potentially reducing acne or the incidence of pimples.
Scalp Applications: Used for antifungal or keratolytic therapy. (Many medicated shampoos are,
in fact, lotions).
Cosmetic Uses: Including moisturizers and sunscreens.
Limitations and Dispensing Notes
Residence Time: They have a shorter contact time due to their fluidity and rapid evaporation.
Protection: Lotions are less protective than ointments or creams.
Stability: If suspension-based, they require shaking to redisperse the solids.
Dispensing:
They should be labelled ‘For external use only’.
Lotions should be dispensed in fluted bottles, closed with a plastic screw-cap.
If purified water is used for preparation, it should be freshly boiled and cooled before use.
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Pharmaceutical Liniments.
Definition: Liniments are liquid preparations intended for external use.
They are alcoholic or oil-based solutions or emulsions containing therapeutic agents.
They may be liquids or semisolids.
Historically, they were sometimes called embrocation.
Application:
Liniments are intended to be rubbed onto the skin.
They may be applied with or without friction.
They are commonly applied with friction and rubbing of the skin, with the oil or soap base
assisting in ease of application and massage.
Therapeutic Roles:
Used for the relief of pain, used as stimulants, depending on ingredients, they may function as
protective coatings.
They can contain active ingredients such as antipruritics, astringents, emollients, or
analgesics. Liniments containing rubefacients are widely advertised and used for treating minor
muscular aches and pains.
Products containing capsaicin are currently being investigated for the treatment of pruritus
(itching).
Classification.
Based on their active ingredient and, critically, their vehicle, which determines their action.
Alcoholic/Hydroalcoholic.
Alcoholic solutions (e.g., Aconite Liniment, BPC).
Rubefacient, counterirritant, mildly astringent, and penetrating effects.
Penetrates the skin more readily.
Generally, more irritating to the skin. Useful when penetrating action is desired.
Oily/Oleaginous.
Oily solutions (e.g., Methyl Salicylate Liniment, BPC). Fixed oils (almond, peanut, sesame,
cottonseed oil) or volatile oils (wintergreen oil, turpentine).
Primarily employed when massage is desired. Milder in action.
Less irritating to the skin than alcoholic liniments. May be emulsions (e.g., Turpentine
Liniment, BP).
Critical Safety Warnings (Must be strictly adhered to).
External Use Only: It is essential that liniments be marked clearly “For External Use Only”.
They must never be taken internally.
Contraindication: Liniments should not be applied to areas where the skin is bruised or
broken.
Applying them to broken or bruised skin could result in excessive irritation.
They should not be applied to areas where the skin is broken.
Dispensing and Storage Requirements.
Packaging: Liniments should be dispensed in coloured, fluted bottles.
Storage: They should be stored in tight containers.
Labelling:
They must be labelled ‘For external use only’.
If the preparation is an emulsion or contains insoluble matter, it must be shaken
thoroughly before use to ensure the dispersed phase is evenly distributed. These
preparations should bear a “shake well” label.
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Difference between Lotion and Liniments
Lotion Liniments
A topical liquid dosage form. Can be Liquid preparations intended for external use. May be
solutions, suspensions, or emulsions (most liquids or semisolids. Classified as alcoholic or oil-
commonly oil-in-water). based solutions or emulsions
Generally aqueous preparations. Typically Alcoholic or oil-based solutions or emulsions.
water-based.
Usually applied using bare hands, a clean Intended to be rubbed onto the skin. Commonly
cloth, cotton wool, or gauze. applied with friction and rubbing of the skin.
Provides a cooling effect caused by the rapid Used for the relief of pain. Often contain rubefacients
evaporation of water content. Non-greasy. for treating minor muscular aches and pains. Alcoholic
Used for soothing, protection (e.g., sunburn), types have rubefacient, counterirritant, and penetrating
and antipruritic effects effects.
Suitable for unbroken skin. Good for acute, Must not be applied to areas where the skin is bruised
inflamed, or weeping lesions where or broken.
occlusion is not desirable. Readily applied to
regions of hairy skin
Requires shaking if suspension-based. Must be marked clearly “For External Use Only”.
Should be dispensed in fluted bottles Requires a “shake well”. Should be dispensed in
coloured, fluted bottles
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