Which preparation refers to alcoholic or oleaginous solutions or emulsions intended to be rubbed on the skin?

• A. Collodions
• B. Gels
• C. Liniments
• D. Ointments

Answer: (C)

The key idea is recognizing how topical preparations are described by their vehicle and method of use. Liniments are liquid preparations whose bases are alcoholic or oleaginous and that are specifically intended to be rubbed into the skin. The rubbing action helps distribute the medicament and can create warmth or cooling sensations, depending on the ingredients, making them easy to apply over a large area.

Collodions are different: they are solutions of nitrocellulose in ether and alcohol that dry to a flexible film on the skin, so the product doesn’t remain as a rub-in liquid. Gels are semisolid systems where a thickening agent gives a gel structure, usually aqueous or hydroalcoholic, and they’re not described as alcoholic or oleaginous liquids designed to be rubbed in. Ointments are semisolid, greasy bases intended to stay on the skin for occlusion and prolonged contact, not as readily rubbed-in liquids. Liniments uniquely fit the description of alcohol- or oil-based liquids meant to be rubbed into the skin.