Ointments are fatty preparations of such consistency as to melt and spread rapidly at body temperatures. Formerly extensively used as protective surgical dressings, they are now principally employed for the treating of skin affections, and for inunctions.

Make the official Unguentum Hydrargyri Ammoniati as follows: Melt 25 Gm. white petrolatum; take 5 Gm. of it and rub it thoroughly with 5 Gm. finely powdered ammoniated mercury; then add the balance of the petrolatum and 20 Gm. hydrous wool fat; mix thoroughly, and continue stirring the mixture until it congeals.

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Examine the following official Ointments:

Sample

Strength

Color

Odor

Utility

Unguentum

Base

Ung. Aquae Rosae

Favorite cosmetic

Ung. Belladonnae

0.0125%

Local sedative ( ?)

Ung. Chrysarobini

6%

For psoriasis

Ung. Hydrargyri Dil. (Blue ointment)

30%

Pediculosis pubis, but the Oleate is better

Ung. Hydrargyri Amnion.

10%

Wet eczemas

Ung. Hg. Oxidi Flavi

10%

Blepharitis

Ung. Picis Liquids

50%

For weeping eczemas

Ung. Sulphuris

15%

Specific in scabies

Ung. Zinci Oxidi

20%

A drying ointment

Other official Ointments, but of limited utility, are: Ung. Acidi Borici, 10%; Ung. Acidi Tannici, 20%; Ung. Diachylon, of pharmaceutical interest chiefly; Ung. Gallae, 20%; Ung. Hydrargyri, 50%, a base; Ung. Hydrargyri Nitratis, 7%, citrine ointment; Ung. Iodi, 4%; Ung. Iodoformi, 10%, an abomination; Ung. Phenolis, 2%, formerly in much favor; Ung. Stramonii, 20%, superfluous.