Chrominfo: Difference between paste and ointment

The major difference between paste and ointment is that the paste is a soft mixture that contains a large amount of finely powdered solids, while ointment is homogenous semisolid dosage forms contain medicaments that are generally suspended or emulsified, or dissolved in the base.

The dosage form of a pharmaceutical product refers to its method of delivery of medication to the specific site of the body. Based on the physical form they are classified as solid, liquid, semisolid, and gaseous dosage forms, and based on the method/route of drug administration they are classified as oral, parenteral, topical, inhalation, and rectal route of drug administration.

Table of Contents

What is paste?
What is ointment?
Difference between paste and ointment
Similarities between paste and ointment

Semisolids are neither solid nor liquid they are a combination of both and are used for both local and systemic effects. Semi-solid dosage forms are substances used for external application to the skin or mucous membrane, containing one or more active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) dissolved or dispersed in a suitable base. Paste, ointments, gels, lotions, suspensions, creams, liniments, emulsions, suppositories, and poultices, etc. are types of semi-solids, formulated in such a way that they show a uniform application (topical) on the skin it might have therapeutic or cosmetic.

Pastes:

Pastes are semi-solid, homogeneous formulations with high concentrations of insoluble powdered substances dispersed in a suitable base for medicinal or cosmetic use. Due to a large number of powdered ingredients in the formulation, pastes are typically more absorptive, less greasy, and stiffer in consistency compared to ointments. They are mostly water-based products that have good adhesion to the skin, intended for application on the mucous membrane, oral cavity, and the skin.

Ointments:

Ointments are homogeneous semisolid dosage forms that are intended for local or for systemic absorption. It is an oil-based product that is usually made up of 80% oil and 20% water and volatiles. An ointment is also a good absorbent and has an occlusive barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss and offers several advantages.

Difference between paste and ointment:

Pastes contain a large amount of finely powdered solids, whereas ointments contain less amount of finely powdered solids than paste.
The paste is less greasy not transparent than ointment, whereas, ointment is greasy than paste.
Pastes are mostly water-based products, whereas ointments are mostly oil-based formulations.
The paste is a stiff and thick product, while the ointment is soft.
The paste may be applied with a spatula, whereas, the ointment is simply applied to the skin.
Pastes are more viscous than ointments, while ointments are usually less viscous than pastes.
The pastes are less penetrating than ointments, while ointments are more penetrating than pastes.
The paste forms a protective layer in the region where it is applied, whereas the ointment is used as an emollient or protective for the skin.
The pharmaceutical ointment lasts longer at the application site than the paste, which releases the drug for a longer period.
Pastes have a lower macerating effect, while ointments have a higher macerating effect.
As compared to the pastes, the ointments are usually greasy and difficult to clean.
The paste does not spread more easily on the skin than the ointment, while the ointment is more easily spread on the skin.

The similarity between ointment and paste:

The major similarity between ointment and paste is that ointment and paste are semisolid dosage forms intended for topical use as a cosmetic as well as medicinal.

Paste vs Ointment