Unguentum (U. S. P.)—Ointment.
SYNONYMS: Unguentum simplex, Unguentum adipis, Simple ointment.
Preparation.—"Lard, eight hundred grammes (800 Gm.) [1 lb. av., 12 ozs., 96 grs.]; yellow wax, two hundred grammes (200 Gm.) [7 ozs. Av., 24 grs.]; to make one thousand grammes (1000 Gm.) [2 lbs. Av., 3 ozs., 120 grs.]. Melt the yellow wax, and gradually add to it the lard; then stir the mixture constantly until it is cool"—(U. S. P.).
Action and Medical Uses.—This is an emollient ointment, employed as a mild and cooling dressing to ulcers, excoriations, blisters, etc. It entres into the formation of several ointments.
Related Preparations.—UNGUENTUM PARAFFINI, Paraffin ointment. "Take of hard paraffin, 3 ounces (Imp.) or 90 grammes (Metric); soft paraffin, 7 ounces (Imp.) or 210 grammes. Melt together in a shallow evaporating dish; as the liquid cools triturate constantly, until, when cold, a uniform plastic ointment is produced. When paraffin ointment is used as the basis of white ointments, it should be prepared with the white variety of soft paraffin; and when used in colored ointments, it should be prepared with the yellow variety of soft paraffin. The proportions of hard and soft, paraffins in paraffin ointment may be modified to meet the exigencies of climate and prevailing temperature"—(Br. Pharm., 1898). This ointment enters into the composition of several ointments of the British Pharmacopoeia, 1898. It is used in the manner of simple ointments.
