ASTRINGENTS

Astringents are drugs that cause shrinkage of the skin and mucous membranes. They act by precipitating the proteins on the surface layer of the skin and mucus membranes. Their main use is to stop seepage, weeping, or discharge from mucous membranes.

Aluminum Acetate Topical Solution (Burow’s Solution)

ACTION AND USE.— This drug is an astringent wet dressing for the relief of inflammatory conditions of the skin, such as poison ivy, swellings and bruises, insect bites, athlete’s foot, or other environmental skin conditions and for superficial external otitis.

USUAL DOSE.— Topical, in a 1:10 to 1:40 solution.

Calamine Lotion

ACTION AND USE.— Calamine lotion is used in the treatment of various skin afflictions in the same way as aluminum acetate. It is an astringent and protective, which is used externally. It should not be applied to blistered, raw, or oozing areas of the skin.

USUAL DOSE.— Apply to the affected area two to four times daily and at bedtime.

ABSORBENTS

An adsorbent is a drug that attaches another substance to its surface. These drugs are used to adsorb undesirable substances.

Activated Charcoal USP

ACTION AND USE.— This drug forms an effective barrier between any remaining particulate material and the gastrointestinal mucosa, thus inhibiting gastrointestinal absorption. It is used as an emergency treatment in poisoning by most drugs and chemicals.

USUAL DOSE.— 30 to 100 g within 30 minutes after ingestion of toxic substances. It is administered as a slurry and ingested by the patient or administered through a nasogastric or lavage tube. EMOLLIENTS Emollients are bland or fatty substances that may be applied to the skin to make it more pliable and soft, and may also serve as vehicles for application of other medicinal substances. They are available as ointments, creams, or lotions. Examples not discussed include Keri-Lotion, Eucerin-Lotion, and Lubriderm.

Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Oil)

ACTION AND USE.— Cocoa butter is an excellent emollient with a pleasant odor. It is ideal for the treatment of chapped skin and lips, cracked nipples, or minor irritated or abraded skin areas.

Hydrous Wool Fat (Lanolin)

ACTION AND USE.— This is a smooth creamy ointment of wool fat. It is an ideal emollient for dry, scaly skin conditions.

Petrolatum (Petroleum Jelly)

ACTION AND USE.— Petrolatum is a highly occlusive and good emollient. It may not release some drugs when used as an ointment base.

Zinc Oxide Ointment

ACTION AND USE.— This is a white petrolatum containing approximately 20 percent zinc