The ointment and gel both are semi-solid preparations in which the active ingredients are dispersed or dissolved. The major difference between ointments and gels is that the gels are generally water-based formulations, whereas ointments are oil-based formulations.
Dosage forms are the means by which drugs are delivered to sites of action within the body. The physical forms of dosage forms are simply classified as solid, liquid, gaseous, and semi-solid dosage forms, and the routes of drug administration are classified as oral, topical inhalation, otic, parenteral, sublingual, and buccal, routes of drug administration. Some of the examples of dosage forms are powder, granules, tablets, capsules, caplets, syrup, suspension, injections, solution, drops, gargles, liniments, lotions, sprays, throat paints, and aerosols, etc.
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Topical dosage forms are widely used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes and can be applied to the skin or mucous membranes because the skin provides an ideal site for drug delivery for both local and systemic effects. Topical dosage forms can transport drug substances more selectively to a specific site, avoiding fluctuations in drug levels and suitability for self-medication. However, it also acts as a mechanical barrier for the penetration of many active pharmaceutical ingredients (API).
Ointments:
Ointments are homogeneous semisolid preparations that contain 80% oil, have an oily or greasy consistency and are intended for external application to the skin or mucous membranes. Ointments contain medicated ingredients with excipients that are absorbed through the skin which serve a protective, therapeutic, or prophylactic purpose when applied. There are four different types of bases are used in the formulation of ointments such as hydrocarbon bases, absorption bases, water-removable bases, and water-soluble bases.
Gels:
Gels are semi-solid dosage formulations that are transparent and translucent and are applied to the skin or mucosal surfaces for local action or emollient properties. Topical gel formulations are a good choice for drug delivery since they are less greasy and easy to remove from the skin. Based on the nature of the solvent, its affinity, and physical state, the gels are classified into two basic groups i.e. organogels and hydrogels.
Difference between ointment and gel:
- Ointments are semi-solid formulations in which the drug is dispersed or dissolved, while gels are translucent and transparent semi-solid preparations in a suitable ointment base.
- The formulation of ointments includes absorption, emulsifying hydrocarbons, and water-soluble bases while the formulation of gels includes natural gums and gelling agents.
- The ointment is non-porous and highly greasy, while gels are non-porous and non-greasy preparations.
- Ointments are very stiff, whereas gels are less stiff compared to ointments.
- The ointments are used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes as well as to protect wounds, whereas gels are used for medicinal, lubricating purposes.
- Ointments are also more suitable for hairy regions like the scalp, etc. whereas gels are also more suitable to be applied to mucous membranes of the skin.
- The strong emollient effect in the ointment makes it useful in dry skin conditions, while the gels can dry things out very quickly, so it would be helpful to apply them on a moist area.
- The gel formulation provides superior stability and application property compared to creams and ointments.
- The ointment provides a protective film on the skin, while the gels become liquid when they come into contact with the skin and leave a thin film of active medication.
- Gels are easy to formulate as compared to ointment, whereas ointments are complex to formulate.
- The pharmaceutical ointment lasts longer on the site of application than gels and releases the drug for a longer period.
- Ointments should be kept cool and dry, away from direct sunlight, in wide-mouthed containers or tubes, whereas gels are stored in well-closed containers to prevent water evaporation.
Ointment vs Gel
The similarity between gel and ointment:
The major similarity between gel and ointment is that both are topical semi-solid dosage forms intended for topical applications and are widely used for therapeutic and cosmetic activities. They both are more easily spread and maybe leave stains on clothing.
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