Learning Objectives

• Introduction to jellies and their classification, with examples
• Types of gelling agents

Jellies are transparent or translucent, nongreasy semisolid preparations generally applied externally to the skin or mucous membrane. They resemble mucilages but are with higher jellylike consistency. They are mainly applied for medication, lubrication and some miscellaneous uses.

Types of Jellies

Medicated Jellies

The water-soluble drugs such as local anesthetics, spermicides and antiseptics are suitable for incorporation in the jellies as these preparations contain large amounts of water. They are easy to apply and produce a pleasant cooling effect on evaporation of the water content. Usually, the medicinal film firmly adheres to the skin and gives protection, but it is readily removed by washing after the treatment is complete. Examples are ephedrine sulfate jelly, which is used to arrest bleeding from nose; pramoxine HCl, a local anesthetic that relieves discomfort of pruritis and hemorrhoids and phenylmercuric nitrate, which is used as a spermicidal contraceptive.

Lubricant Jellies

These find application in proper and easy handling of surgical aids such as catheters, items of electro-diagnostic equipment such as cystoscopies and rubber gloves or finger stalls used for rectal and other examinations. The lubricants must be sterile if used in the inner regions of the body.

Miscellaneous Jellies

The following are more specialized uses of jellies:

1. Patch testing: In this case, jelly is the vehicle for the allergens applied to the skin to detect sensitivity. Several allergens may be applied on one person at a time for diagnostic purposes.
2. Electrocardiography: In order to reduce the electrical resistance between the patient’s skin and the electrodes of the cardiograph, a jelly containing sodium chloride and pumice powder is applied. Sodium chloride provides good conductivity. Pumice powder, when applied to the skin, removes a part of the horny layer of epidermis, which is the main barrier of electrical resistance.