Cream (pharmaceutical)

Cream (pharmaceutical) is a semi-solid dosage form of medication that is typically applied externally to a specific area of the body. These preparations are used for a variety of purposes, including moisturizing the skin, delivering active pharmaceutical ingredients, and providing protective barriers. Pharmaceutical creams are designed to be non-greasy and are absorbed quickly by the skin, making them a preferred choice for many dermatological conditions.

Composition

Pharmaceutical creams are composed of water and oils, with the addition of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and various excipients. The excipients can include emulsifiers, preservatives, thickeners, and stabilizers to ensure the cream maintains its consistency, efficacy, and shelf life. The proportion of oil to water determines whether a cream is considered an ointment (higher oil content) or a lotion (higher water content), with creams falling somewhere in between.

Types of Creams

There are two main types of pharmaceutical creams: oil-in-water (O/W) and water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions. O/W emulsions are more common and are characterized by oil droplets dispersed in a water phase, making them more moisturizing and easier to wash off. W/O emulsions, on the other hand, have water droplets dispersed in an oil phase, providing a more potent barrier against moisture loss.

Oil-in-Water (O/W) Creams

These creams are primarily used for hydrating the skin. They are beneficial in conditions where adding moisture to the skin is necessary to aid in healing or to reduce dryness and flakiness.

Water-in-Oil (W/O) Creams

W/O creams are used to create a barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss. They are often used in products for treating eczema or for products intended to protect the skin from external irritants.

Applications

Pharmaceutical creams are used in a wide range of medical and cosmetic applications. Medically, they can deliver antifungal, antibiotic, or steroid medications to treat conditions like dermatitis, psoriasis, and infections. Cosmetically, creams can be formulated to moisturize the skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, or protect against sun damage.

Advantages

The main advantages of pharmaceutical creams include their ease of application, ability to target specific areas of the body, and the rapid absorption by the skin, which can provide quick relief or effects. Additionally, creams can be formulated to have a pleasant texture and scent, improving patient compliance.

Regulation and Standards

Pharmaceutical creams are subject to rigorous testing and regulation to ensure their safety, efficacy, and quality. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees these products, while in Europe, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) performs a similar role. Standards for the formulation and testing of creams are outlined in pharmacopeias such as the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.).

See Also

• Topical medication
• Emulsion
• Pharmacology
• Dermatology