Basics of Compounding: Basics of Compounding with Balsams
Author(s): Allen Loyd V Jr
Issue: Nov/Dec 2013 - Volume 17, Number 6
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Page(s): 490-495
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Abstract: Balsams have been used in pharmacy for centuries for many different purposes. Balsams include benzoin, Peruvian balsam, storax, and tolu balsam. Balsams are aromatic and usually oily resinous substances flowing from various plants and generally containing some amount of benzoic or cinnamic acid. Historically, they have been used orally and topically in various formulations. Today, their primary use is topically in solutions, ointments, creams, and lotions. Today, the most common use would be in diaper ointments and to treat various skin disorders. Pharmacists are still called upon to compound various preparations using balsams.
Related Keywords: Loyd V. Allen, Jr., PhD, RPh, balsams, benzoin, Peruvian balsam, storax, tolu balsam, United States Pharmacopeia, USP, formulations, fragrance, skin irritations, topical preparations, inhalation, demulcent, wound healing, skin ulcers, suppositories, ointments, tinctures, syrups, pastes, expectorants, benzoic acids, cinnaminic acids