A cream or ointment is an effective way of delivering active ingredients to the affected area of the body. It is used in treating skin problems, burns, irritation, fungal infection, and pain. The base of the ointment can be water in oil (w/o) or oil in water (o/w) emulsion. It may also contain waxes, lubricants, and emollients dispersed in oil.
The other ingredients are emulsifiers, stabilizers, and thickening agents. Colorants are also added in some cases if required. Those who are planning to launch industry to Pharma Ointment Manufacturers in India should go through the process of it. In a manufacturing unit, ointment can be made by an automated or manualprocess.
Automatic process
The first phase is the water phase. The water phase vessel is filled with water and stirred. The vessel is covered with an insulated jacket, and the stirrer is attached to it.
The second phase is the wax phase where the wax vessel is filled with wax and stirred. Like water vessel, it is also covered with insulated jacket and a stirrer is attached to it.
The third phase is mixing phase. Melted wax and hot water are transferred to the mixing vessel using a vacuum transfer method.
While mixing and stirring at a high speed, active ingredients and drugs are added to it.
The material is recirculated in the vessel to make the mixture homogeneous.
The ready ointment is transferred to the storage tank by bump pump.
From the storage tank, it is taken to the filling area. Hot water circulation around the filling tube is required to maintain the right viscosity of the material.
The ready material is shifted to the hopper of the filling machine. A metering pump is attached to it.
The cream gets filled in the container or tube and after sealing and packing, the material is ready to dispatch.
After one batch of production, all vessels, tanks, and lining is washed thoroughly.
Manual process
The steps in the manual process are the same as an automated one. The only thing is, here the heating, stirring, and mixing is done manually.
Once mixed thoroughly, it is sent to a separate chamber called a colloid mill. It reduces the particle size and makes the mixture homogeneous. Once done, it is transferred to the storage tank.
Hot water is used for making the mixture free flowing.
The ointment is packed and sealed in the packing line.
In the manual and automated processes both, QC or Quality Control is important. It ensures that consumers get the best product.