The major difference between liniments and lotions are the liniments are liquid or semi-liquid dosage form, applied to the skin with friction and rubbing, whereas lotions are liquid preparations that are applied to the skin without friction.
Dosage forms are used to deliver active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) to specific sites of the body. They can be solid, liquid, semi-solid, and gaseous dosage forms, based on the physical form, and based on the route of drug administration they are oral, topical, inhalation, parenteral (Injection), otic, sublingual, and buccal route of drug administration. Some examples of dosage forms are capsules, tablets, powders, injections, syrup, solutions, lotions, liniments, suspension, throat paints, aerosols, and sprays, etc.
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The topical dosage forms are used to apply to a particular place on or in the body. There are three types of traditional topical dosage forms: solid, semi-solid, and liquid. Topical dosage forms include liniments, lotions ointments, pastes, foams, gels, emulsions, suspensions, powders, gauzes, and patches. They include one or more active ingredients that are dissolved or uniformly dispersed in a suitable base, as well as any appropriate excipients like emulsifiers, antioxidants, viscosity-increasing agents, stabilizing agents, and antimicrobial agents.
Liniments:
The liniments are a solution or mixture of different compounds in the oil, emulsions, or alcoholic solution of soap with suitable antimicrobial preservatives, these preparations may be liquid or semi-liquid are intended for external application.
Liniments are applied to the skin with friction and rubbing, usually, it is used to relieve pain and stiffness, such as sore muscle aches, arthritis, or strains. There are two types of Liniments: alcoholic liniments oleaginous liniments.
Lotions:
A lotion is a topical preparation with a low to medium viscosity (smooth, thick liquid) that is applied to unbroken skin for cosmetic or medicinal purposes. The lotion is an aqueous or sometimes alcoholic suspension or emulsion containing insoluble substances meant to be applied to the skin without rubbing.
Most lotions are oil in water (o/w) emulsions, however, water in oil (w/o) lotions are also formulated. Lotions are ideal for slightly dry skin than creams because they contain less oil and are easier to absorb.
Difference between liniments and lotions:
- Liniments are liquid or semi-liquid preparations that are generally applied to the skin by rubbing and friction on the skin, whereas lotions are liquids that are intended for external application without friction.
- Liniments are not applied to damaged skin because it causes excessive irritation, while lotions are applied directly to the skin.
- The liniment has a higher viscosity than the lotion, while the lotion has a lower viscosity than liniment this is why they need to be rubbed.
- The liniment is applied to relieve pain, and swelling of joints, whereas lotion is used to moisturize the skin and is used as a treatment for superficial injuries.
- Liniment is applied after taking a bath as pain relief, whereas lotion is ideal for use during the day and during summer.
- Liniments are suitable for unbroken skin, whereas lotions are suitable for mild to slightly dry skin.
- Liniments are alcoholic or oleaginous solutions are emulsions, while, lotions are aqueous or sometimes alcoholic preparation.
The similarity between lotions and liniments:
The major similarity between lotions and liniments is that both lotions and liniments are topical liquid or semi-liquid preparations usually applied to the skin for medicinal or cosmetic purposes.
Lotions VS Liniments
Commonly asked questions on topical dosage forms are as follows.
What is the difference between gargle and mouthwash?
The gargle is a liquid used for gargling, whereas mouthwash is also a liquid used to clean one's mouth.
What is the advantage of liniments over ointments?
Unlike ointments, liniments are better applied to the skin and leave fewer stains on the patient's skin and clothing.
Why do lotion and liniment need to be shaken before use?
Liniments contain insoluble matter and hence to ensure even distribution of the dispersed phase, and lotions are oil mixed with a water-based solution, they also need to be mixed, hence these preparations need to be shaken before use.
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