The process of making ointments can be periodic or continuous. The periodic process can be one-, two-, three-stage, etc., depending on the number of devices in which separate stages of the process of obtaining ointments are consistently carried out. The technology of manufacturing ointments at pharmaceutical enterprises is carried out in accordance with the regulations. It includes the following stages: sanitary treatment of premises and equipment; preparation of raw materials (medicinal substances, ointment base, packaging containers, etc.); introduction of medicinal substances into the base; homogenization of ointments; standardization; packing and storage of ointments. Sanitary treatment of premises and equipment is aimed at preventing microbial contamination during the production, storage and transportation of ointments, at creating safe working conditions and protecting the health of workers.
The terms and conditions of storage of ointments are determined by technical documentation. Factory-made ointments are stored in a cool, protected from light place from six months to two years or more. The storage conditions of ointments should be strictly observed. Environmental factors, especially temperature changes and light, often adversely affect the quality of ointments.
Intra-shop control of ointments is carried out at almost every stage of production and especially before packing the drug. The final conclusion on all indicators of the quality of finished products is given by the quality control department of the plant. In the conditions of industrial production, the test is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the general article of the State Pharmacopoeia (GF) for ointments, as well as the requirements included in the articles of the GF for individual names of ointments. The ointment is standardized in appearance, uniformity, content of medicinal substances, pH value, degree of dispersion of solid particles, colloidal stability and thermal stability. The company controls the appearance, smell and characteristic organoleptic properties (if any) of ointments and other soft medicines. They should not have a rancid smell, as well as (if there are no other indications in private articles) signs of physical instability (aggregation of particles, coalescence, coagulation and stratification). The amount of medicinal substances in ointments is determined by the methods given in private pharmacopoeia articles for the tested ointment. Standar...