Ointment (redirected from Ointments)

ointment

1. a fatty or oily medicated formulation applied to the skin to heal or protect

2. a similar substance used as a cosmetic

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ointment [′ȯint·mənt]

(pharmacology)

A semisolid preparation used for a protective and emollient effect or as a vehicle for the local or endermic administration of medicaments; ointment bases are composed of various mixtures of fats, waxes, animal and vegetable oils, and solid and liquid hydrocarbons.

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Ointment 

a medication for external use consisting of a base like lanolin or vaseline and a medically active substance.

If the base of an ointment contains more than 25 percent dry powder, the result is paste. Liquid ointments are called liniments. The medical substances in ointments are absorbed by the skin and can exert both a local and a general effect on the body. Ointments containing irritants can produce a systemic effect by reflex reaction.