Pigmenta. Paints.

Preparations: 

Format explanation.
Related entries: Pastes

Paints are liquid preparations usually medicated with substances possessing antiseptic, caustic, soothing, or stimulating properties. They are prepared with vehicles which render their consistence suitable for application to the skin or mucous surfaces by means of a brush. The character of the bases differs considerably, their selection depending upon the nature of the medicament to be applied, the duration of contact desired, and the degree of absorption required. Paints intended to remain in contact with a specified surface are usually prepared with collodion, glycerin, glycerin and water, solution of egg albumen in alcohol, or solution of gutta percha. Paints intended to be absorbed are prepared with oleic acid or fatty oils. Caustic substances when employed as paints are usually applied dissolved in distilled water, and occasionally in alcoholic or ethereal vehicles. Resinous substances, such as benzoin, storax, balsam of tolu, or sandarac, dissolved in ether, are employed as bases for medicated varnishes, and used for application to the skin and raw mucous surfaces. Bottles fitted with glass stoppers are usually most suitable as containers for paints. Paints containing chromic acid are applied by means of glass brushes.


The British Pharmaceutical Codex, 1911, was published by direction of the Council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.