Anhydrous base, an absorption base, is also known as?

Anhydrous base, an absorption base, is also known as?

• A. Aquaphor
• B. White petrolatum
• C. Eucerin
• D. Hydrophilic ointment

Answer: (A)

Absorption bases are oily bases that can take up water and form emulsions, so they can incorporate some aqueous solution without dissolving or breaking down. Aquaphor Healing Ointment fits this idea nicely: it’s a petrolatum-based ointment that contains mineral oil and glycerin, which enables it to absorb water and create a stable water-in-oil emulsion. That water-absorbing capability is what makes it an absorption base, even though the base itself starts out anhydrous. This is why it’s used when you want to mix in a small amount of water or a hydrophilic drug and still maintain a thick, ointment-like texture. By contrast, white petrolatum is purely anhydrous and does not absorb water, so it’s not an absorption base. Hydrophilic ointment is a different category designed to be water-washable, and while Eucerin is a water-in-oil emulsion, the classic example taught for an absorption base that can absorb water is Aquaphor.

Absorption bases are oily bases that can take up water and form emulsions, so they can incorporate some aqueous solution without dissolving or breaking down. Aquaphor Healing Ointment fits this idea nicely: it’s a petrolatum-based ointment that contains mineral oil and glycerin, which enables it to absorb water and create a stable water-in-oil emulsion. That water-absorbing capability is what makes it an absorption base, even though the base itself starts out anhydrous. This is why it’s used when you want to mix in a small amount of water or a hydrophilic drug and still maintain a thick, ointment-like texture. By contrast, white petrolatum is purely anhydrous and does not absorb water, so it’s not an absorption base. Hydrophilic ointment is a different category designed to be water-washable, and while Eucerin is a water-in-oil emulsion, the classic example taught for an absorption base that can absorb water is Aquaphor.