Learning Objective

• Introduction to plasters and their applications

Plasters are substances of either solid or semisolid masses, intended for external application and are made of such material and consistency as to adhere to the skin and thereby attach and retain as dressing. They promote prolonged contact of the drug with the skin. They are made by incorporating medicaments in resinous or waxy bases, which are melted and spread on suitable backing material for the following purposes:

1. To afford protection and mechanical support
2. To furnish an occlusive and macerating action
3. To enhance the drug–skin surface contact time

Plasters are available in different shapes meant for application on different regions of the body. Examples are ear plaster, breast plaster, back plaster, chest plaster and shoulder plaster.

RECENT ADVANCES IN SEMISOLIDS

Learning Objective

• Introduction to recent advancements in the topical drug delivery systems

Advances in semisolid dosage form facilitate modified release of drug as well as flexibility in route of administration.