A suspension or emulsion, semisolid (1) dosage form, usually containing less than 20 percent water and volatiles (2) and greater than 50 percent hydrocarbons, waxes, or polyols as the vehicle. This dosage form is generally for external application to the skin or mucous membranes. Note 1: A semisolid is not pourable; it does not flow or conform to its container at room temperature. It does not flow at low shear stress and generally exhibits plastic flow behavior. Note 2: Percent water and volatiles are measured by a loss on drying test in which the sample is heated at 105 degrees C until constant weight is achieved.

A semisolid preparation intended for external application to the skin or mucous membranes.

A substance used on the skin to soothe or heal wounds, burns, rashes, scrapes, or other skin problems.

Semisolid preparations used topically for protective emollient effects or as a vehicle for local administration of medications. Ointment bases are various mixtures of fats, waxes, animal and plant oils and solid and liquid hydrocarbons.

(ointment dosage form) A semi-solid, viscous in texture, that may be composed of a variety of bases including hydrocarbons, emulsifiers or vegetable oils, and mixed with active and/or inert ingredient(s).