Critical Considerations (Topical Agents)

1. Why non-systemic nature is desirable for topical agents?

Ans. The term topical is generally placed for use of compounds on body surfaces,
which are devoid of systemic absorption and distribution in various organs and tissues.
Penetration into deep tissues in many instances gives benefit to wounds below skin but in
other hand systemic effects of many of these compounds may elicit toxic or allergic
manifestations depending upon amount absorbed. Eg. Topically applied mercury
containing compounds will react with polar groups on many amino acids nonspecifically
that are not desired and toxic thereby.
2. What are the general uses of topical agents? Classify them with examples.
Ans. The term topical is generally placed for use of compounds on body surfaces,
which are devoid of systemic absorption and distribution in various organs and tissues. It
should be stated further that topical application of drugs may be accomplished within
body cavities that open to the outside (eg. Oral, vaginal and colonic cavities). This type of
application is done with the expectation that the compound will exert local or surface
activity. But it should be kept in mind that systemic absorption from these areas is more
extensive than the skin surface. Topical agents are broadly classified in mainly categories
a. Protectives (Talc, insoluble Zinc compounds, TiO2, AlCl3. 6H2O, Silicon polymers)
Topical protectives and adsorbents are usually applied to areas of skin with constant
irritation or areas which have already irritated or inflamed due to friction, allergy and
the like.
b. Antimicrobials (H2O2 solution, KMno4 solution, Iodine solution, Silver Nitrate) and
astringents (alum, soluble Zinc compounds, white lotion etc)
3. Mention properties are desirable for a topical protective.
Ans. (see Page 1)
4. What are the problems associated with Talc/ Talcum powder?
Ans. Talc, when used in broken skin (wounds and surgical incision) can produce sterile
abscesses or granuloma (a nodule of inflamed tissue, in which granulation is occurring). It
precludes use of talc on surgical gloves, absorbable dusting powders are now

recommended for this purpose. No problems are associated with use of talc on the intact
skin.
Baby powder is used to keep babies dry and comfortable. It is important to use baby
powder properly. The powder easily floats into the air. It can get into babies eyes.
Breathing problems are the most common problem. It may cause cough, eye and throat
irritation. Diarrhea, vomiting, skin rash, shedding (sloughing), twitching of arms, hands;
legs, feet and facial muscle is not uncommon. We should not use baby powder when a
child has broken skin resulting from a diaper rash. Doing so can cause the rash to become
inflamed and infected.
5. How we can use of talc as a filtering or distributing agent?
Ans. The insoluble and inert nature of talc, including its non-absorbable properties
renders the material useful as a filtering aid. The best particle size for this purpose is
80/100 mesh i.e. the powder that will pass through a no. 80 sieve but not a no. 100 sieve.
Powder finer than this will not be retained by usual filter papers and filtered preparations
will appear cloudy. Pharmaceutical preparations where this phenomenon is common are
aromatic waters, Mg-citrate solutions, aromatic elixir, orange syrup etc.
6. How official Calamine is obtained? Mention its areas of use in detail.
Ans. The term calamine also describes impure naturally obtained Zinc carbonate. The
official calamine is obtained by calcinations (powdered by heating) of the natural ore. The
calcined product is then passed through a 100-mesh sieve to obtain the finely powdered
material necessary for good cohesive and adhesive properties.
Use: Official Calamine USP is a topical protective and anti-pruritic (itch guard) used for
minor skin irritation (itching, pain and discomfort) including poison ivy, poison oak and
poison sumac (Contact dermatitis, is an inflammation of the skin caused by direct contact
with an irritating substance). Calamine is used in dusting powders, ointments and lotions
(Calamine Lotion USP). It is applied over skin surface for its soothing, adsorbent and
protective properties. It has the advantage over ZnO is that it has better cosmetic
acceptability. Calamine Lotion USP contains equal quantities of Calamine and ZnO
suspended with the aid of Bentonite magma (a smectite, a type of clay phyllosilicate
mineral that tends to swell when exposed to water) in a solution of Ca(OH) 2. It has good
drying effect and mild astringent action. Phenolated Calamine Lotion USP provides a
local anesthetic effect and anti-pruritic action.

7. Deduce solubility profile of Zinc stearate? What competitive advantages it has over
talc and other topical protectives?
Ans. Zinc stearate [Zn{C18H35O2}2] is a zinc soap that repels water. It is insoluble in polar
solvents such as alcohol and ether but soluble in aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., benzene
and chlorinated hydrocarbons) when heated. It contains 12.5% to 14% ZnO. It can be
hydrolyzed by heating in dilute mineral acids to form soluble mineral salt and insoluble
stearic or palmitic oily layer. It is neutral to moistened litmus paper.
It has mild astringent and antimicrobial properties. It is employed in dusting powders and
ointments as protective. It has particular advantage over talc in that it is not wetted by
moisture and also repels water. It makes Zn-stearate more desirable in healing
dermatological problems where large amounts of fluids are exuded because it will not
form crusty patches over the areas being treated. Since Zn-stearate dust inhalation may
cause pulmonary inhalation, its routine use in infants and children is strongly
discouraged.
8. How TiO2 provides UV protection to be used as a sun screen?
Ans. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has good ultraviolet (UV)-blocking power and is very
attractive in practical applications because of such advantages as non-toxicity, chemical
stability at high temperature, and permanent stability under UV exposure, for example.
Regular titanium dioxide is highly stable under most conditions. The USP classifies it as a
topical protective. The protection is primarily for its opacity due to high refractive index
(2.7). Whereas the chemical sun screen agents like PABA acts chemically to absorb UV
radiations. As a solar ray protective it is used in a conc. 5% to 25% in ointments and
lotions. Titanium dioxide nano-particles appear to have much greater photocatalytic
activity than regular titanium dioxide powder and might trigger formation of harmful free
radicals when exposed to sunlight. Most manufacturers of titanium dioxide nanoparticles
coat them to reduce or eliminate such effects. Like zinc oxide, it is an anti-irritant or skin
protector. However, since it is not absorbed into the skin, this effect may not be an issue
in topical use on unbroken skin. It is also used as a white pigment in cosmetics and paints.
9. Why official Aluminum paste is used around intestinal fistulae and colostomy
opening after surgery of intestinal cancer?
Ans. Aluminum is present in 10% in aluminum paste USP. It is used as a protective to
prevent irritation around intestinal fistula (an abnormal opening of the intestinal tract

through the skin). The skin surrounding the fistula opening is exposed to intestinal
contents, leading to excoriation and breakdown. Skin protection is an important part of
fistula output control. Skin protectants (eg, zinc oxide cream, aluminum paste, karaya
gum powder, tincture of benzoin) are used to liberally coat skin that is exposed to
intestinal contents. Similar protection is provided while applied around the colostomy
opening after surgery for intestinal cancer. The aluminum protects the skin from digestive
action of intestinal tract.
10. Define following terminologies associated with Topical antimicrobials with suitable
examples
i.

Antiseptic

ii. Germicide

iii. Disinfectant

iv. Sterilization

Ans. See Page 5

11. Illustrate following reaction types through which topical antimicrobials act at
therapeutic concentrations
i.

Oxidation

ii. Halogenation

iii. Protein Precipitation

Ans. See Page 5 and 6

12. Give general mechanism played by the Astringents.
Ans. The application of a very dilute solution of a metal cation to tissue primarily provides a
local or surface protein precipitation action. They are protein precipitants with limited
penetrating power. Being a surface phenomenon, it does not usually result in the destruction
of host tissue. The effect can be generally described as shrinkage or firming of the tissue. For
example, astringents will cause the constriction of the capillaries and small blood vessels;
hence they are used as styptics to stop bleeding from small cuts. Astringents are also used to
reduce the volume of exudates from wounds and skin eruptions. When applied topically to
the wound, astringents may actually stimulate the growth of new tissue. Higher conc. will
create irritation and further increase in conc. may impart corrosive effects. This corrosive
effect can be used to advantage in the removal of undesirable tissue (eg. Warts).
13. What are the 4 general pathological conditions where astringents are used?
Ans. Astringents in therapeutic use, beside anti-microbial actions, are also capable of being
used safely for their effects on human proteins.
Stypic: to stop bleeding from small cuts by promoting coagulation of blood and constricting
small capillaries.

Antiperspirant: to decrease secretion of perspiration by constricting pores at the surface of the

skin.
Anti-inflammatory: restriction of blood supply to the surface of the mucus membranes as a
means of reducing inflammation.
Unwanted tissue removal: direct action on skin to remove unwanted tissue. It requires higher
conc. or a stronger protein precipitant, sometimes termed as corrosive.
14. Give examples to control action of astringents through
a. Concentration

change b. Altering solubility profile c. Complexation with ligands

Ans.
a. Concentration change: in case of water soluble compound, activities can be controlled by
concentration change for the desired use. These concentrations will vary depending upon area
of use (eg. Higher concentrations for skin rather than eye). The various dosage forms and
concentrations are formulated according to their use as astringent or antiseptic and the area of
application (eg. Skin, mouth, ear, eye).
b. Altering solubility profile: Insoluble ZnO acts as a protective but soluble ZnSO4 is an
astringent. Soluble compounds may also be controlled by placing them in a vehicle (eg. H 2O2
in solution containing glycerin or PEG) which would slower their release to the site of action.
Ointments are best example for controlled release of antimicrobial agents.
c. Complexation with a ligand: PV-I complex provides controlled release than other Iodine
preparations used as antimicrobial, minimizing toxicity and activities in host cell.
15. What factors lead to instability of H 2O2? What are the physicochemical measures we
can take to make it stable?
Ans. Hydrogen peroxide USP contains 2.5g to 3.5 g H2O2 in 100ml where preservatives can
be added up to 0.05%. The solution usually deteriorated upon standing or protracted
agitation, rapidly decomposed whenever comes in contact with many oxidizing and reducing
agents. It is unstable on prolonged exposure to light and may decompose suddenly when
rapidly heated. Although unstable but it decomposes very slowly in pure form. When heated
to 1000C, pure explosively to form water and O2. Small amount of contaminants like di- or
polyvalent Cr, Fe, Cu, Hg will catalyze decomposition. Since Al does not act as a catalyst, it
can be stored in Alu-containers.
Complexing or chelating agents are frequently used to stabilize H2O2 solutions (acetanilide,
quinidine sulfate and 8-hydroxyquinoline) in conc. ranging from 0.02% to 0.05%. These

compounds will chelate trace amounts of polyvalent metals thereby making them unavailable
to catalyze decomposition.
Many adsorbents (alumina/silica) will remove impurities from H 2O2 solution. Like
complexing agents they made polyvalent metals unavailable that destabilize the solution.
16. Justify use of H2O2 in following areas
i.

Antiseptic ii. Cleansing

v. Vaginal douche

iii. Bleach iv. Mouthwash

vi. Oral infections

Ans. Therapeutic uses of H2O2 are dependent upon its decomposition by enzyme catalase and
it will react to either oxidizing or reducing agents depending upon the chemical environment.
Antiseptic: The primary use of Hydrogen peroxide is as a mild oxidizing antiseptic. This
action is produced when the solution comes in contact with open or abraded tissue, exposing
to the enzyme catalase, which breaks H2O2 to water and O2. The O2 acts as an oxidizing agent
on bacteria, providing antiseptic actions on organisms (E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus,
typhoid bacilli) obliged to survive through anaerobic metabolism.
Cleansing: Mechanical cleansing action by the foaming release of oxygen. The antiseptic
action does not penetrate below the surface to which it is applied, the surface action is
fleeting. The effervescent action aids in the removal of dirt, bacteria and the debris from the
surface of the wound or difficult to reach areas like ear canal.
Bleach: 1ml of H2O2 solution will liberate 10ml of O2 at standard temperature and pressure
(official solution 3% H2O2 is a 10 volume solution). Extending this further, a 6% H 2O2 (20
volume) solutions used as hair and fabric bleach. Bleach is a chemical that can remove or
lighten color, usually via oxidation. Oxidizing bleach works by breaking the chemical bonds
of a chromophore (part of a molecule that has color). This changes the molecule so that it
either has no color or else reflects color outside the visible spectrum. Low concentrations of
hydrogen peroxide will chemically bleach many types of clothing to a pinkish hue. Caution
should be exercised when using common products that may contain hydrogen peroxide, such
as facial cleaner or contact lens solution, which easily splatter upon other surfaces.
Mouthwash, face-wash and athletes foot: The FDA has only approved the use of 3% food
grade hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash. Listerine is a brand of antiseptic mouthwash. Its
original formula has a notoriously strong flavor, although variations have been released that
are marketed as tasting milder, advantages over generic H2O2 is better taste because of its
volatile oil content. The product is marketed under the slogan "Kills germs that cause bad

breath". 4.5% Hydrogen peroxide can be used in a foot bath for athlete's foot, bunions, corns,
plantar warts and general foot health. Diabetics have found relief from circulation problems
by soaking their feet in this solution.
Oral infections: Urea peroxide (H2N-CO-NH2. H2O2) is a comparatively stable crystalline
compound containing 34% H2O2. When placed solutions in anhydrous 4-10% glycerine,
stabilized with 0.1% 8-hydroxyquinoline, provides more pronounced and more prolonged
antiseptic properties than traditional aq solutions of H 2O2. Products of this type are preferable
in the treatments of infections in oral and ear cavity.
Vaginal douche: The word "douche" means to wash or soak in French. Douching is washing
or cleaning out the vagina (birth canal) with water or other mixtures of fluids. Most douches
are prepackaged mixes of water and vinegar, baking soda, aq solutions of H 2O2 or iodine.
Women douche because they mistakenly believe it gives many benefits. Women who douche
say they do it to: Clean the vagina, Rinse away blood after monthly periods, Get rid of odor,
Avoid sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Prevent pregnancy. Douching can change the
delicate balance of vaginal flora (organisms that live in the vagina) and acidity in a healthy
vagina. One way to look at it is in a healthy vagina there are both good and bad bacteria. The
balance of the good and bad bacteria helps maintain an acidic environment. Any changes can
cause an over growth of bad bacteria which can lead to a yeast infection or bacterial
vaginosis. Plus, if you have a vaginal infection, douching can push the bacteria causing the
infection up into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
17. Describe cautionary measures we should take during handling KMnO 4?
Ans. Chemically KMnO4 is a strong oxidizing agent both in dry state and in solution. The
USP gives a cautionary statement therefore observe great care in handling KMnO4, as
dangerous explosions may occur if it is brought in contact with organic or other readily
oxidizable substances, either in solutions or in dry state. The compound in the dry state
forms explosive mixtures with charcoal and will produce fire when mixed with glycerin. It
will also oxidize alcohol.

18. What are the major shortcomings that limit use of KMnO 4 as topical astringent or
antimicrobial?
Ans. The antibacterial action of KMnO4 is its dependent upon its oxidation of protein or other
bioorganic substances. The oxygen released is the effective agent. The MnO 2 formed as the
permanganate is reduced leaves a brown stain on skin.
Moreover it oxidizes all organic matters (non-selective). Its activity on MOs is decidedly
diminished in presence of extraneous organic substances.
Also A.M.A Drug Evaluations indicate that wet dressings inactivation of the permanganate by
the dressing materials.
KMnO4 can be used as antibacterial and antifungal but short duration of action and low
penetration power, unsightly staining of skin limit its use in these areas.
19. What are the instances where Tincture iodine, Iodine solutions or PV-I individually
gives specific advantages over others if used topically?
Ans. Iodine solution NF and Tincture Iodine USP both contain 1.8g to 2.2g Iodine and 2.1g
to 2.6g of NaI in 100ml volume. They differ only in the solvent profile, Iodine solution is
aqueous and Iodine tincture has 50% alcohol as final solvent. PV-I NF is a complex of Iodine
in povidone, contains 9-12% available Iodine.
Iodine solution NF and Tincture Iodine USP both are probably the most effective topical
antiseptic agents available, they have been used as antiseptics on skin prior to surgery. But
Tincture Iodine is more suitable in this purpose due to wetting or spreading effect, providing
some better antibacterial effect. Also it is used to disinfect drinking water, treatment of
suspected supplied water with 3 drops per quart to kill amoebae and bacteria within 15
minutes. At higher conc. Iodine tincture can disinfect household with evaporation nature of
alcohol.
A.M.A Drug evaluations recommends against use of Iodine Tincture on tissues. Iodine
solution is preferred for application on wounds as alcohol is irritating to open tissues.
Solutions are recommended for surgical scrubs and for preoperative antisepsis of the skin.
PV-I complex has been used in mouthwashes and gargles for the treatments of infections in
oral cavity (Vincents angina). The major advantage of PV-I over elemental solutions includes
its non-irritating nature, comparatively less oral toxicity, water solubility and low Iodine
vapor pressure making it stable to possible Iodine loss. PV-I complex is also non-staining and

can be washed clear from skin and clothing. Products available under trade names Betadine
and Isodine.
20. Define Iodophores with their general mode of action.
Ans. Iodophores are mixture of Iodine with surface active agents (eg. PVP) that act as a
carrier and solubilizers of Iodine. Iodine is released slowly from the complex. Iodophores
posses the germicidal characteristics of Iodine and have additional advantage of non-staining
and low irritating properties. Iodine also posses sporicidal activity; rate of which spores are
killed is markedly influenced by conditions under they are exposed (amount of organic
material and extent of dehydration).
21. Mention in detail about the phenomenon Oligodynamic action for Silver Nitrate
USP with practical examples.
Ans. The oligodynamic action simply reveals its action in low concentration. Water distilled
through a silver condenser, will remain sterile for longer period of time. This level of activity
can be found in solutions containing 1: 0.2 billion concentration of silver ion. Solutions of
Silver Nitrate are bacteriostatic at 1:30000 and bactericidal at 1:4000 in presence of organic
matter. Skin irritation becomes a factor at concentration above 1:1000. Colloidal silver
preparations bacteriostatic at concentrations of 1:20000 but require 10% concentration to be
bactericidal. It has been used in concentration 1:10000 in irrigation of urethra and bladder,
largely replaced by colloidal silver suspensions.
22. What precondition we need to fulfill for using Silver Nitrate or Zinc Sulphate as
ophthalmic preparations? Mention use of Silver Nitrate in ophthalmia neonatrum
and Wet dressing in burn cases.
Ans. Buffering is most important precondition for using Silver Nitrate or Zinc Sulphate as
ophthalmic preparations. The USP suggests buffering of ophthalmic Silver Nitrate solution
with Na-acetate buffer and states that the pH should be between 4.5 to 6.0. The solution may
be rinsed from the eyes with normal saline if desired. Similarly Ophthalmic ZnSO 4 USP
should have a pH between 5.8 to 6.2 by appropriate borate buffer.
Ophthalmia neonatrum (Neonatal conjunctivitis) that is caused by an infection with bacteria
or viruses can be very serious. Bacteria that normally live in a woman's vagina also cause
neonatal conjunctivitis. .The most common bacterial infections that can cause serious eye
damage are gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhea) and chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis), which

can be passed from mother to child during birth. 2 drops of 1% Silver Nitrate USP
Ophthalmic solution placed in each eye of as a prophylactic measure against this neonatal
conjunctivitis. Colloidal silver protein preparations also have major effectiveness against
gonococcal conjunctivitis. It has been argued that silver nitrate does not prevent all cases of
gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum (GON) and that it causes chemical conjunctivitis, pain
and visual impairment, which may interfere with parent-infant bonding. This procedure is
required by law in most states of developed countries and may be more effective than
penicillins, which have replaced it in some areas.
Wet dressings in burn cases: Silver Nitrate 0.5% aqueous solutions in the form of a wet
dressing on burned areas of patients suffering from 3 rd degree burn. The reason behind this
therapeutic application is that silver ions are precipitated by tissue protein and chloride ion.
The antibacterial activity is then dependent upon a low but minimal conc. of ions in
equilibrium with the insoluble forms. Silver ion has seemed to be particularly effective at
reducing infection caused by Staph. aureus, various species of Proteus and Pseudomonus
aeruginosa. The specialty of 0.5% silver nitrate initial treatment is due to both the
antibacterial effect and the reduction in fluid evaporation and heat loss produce by the wet
dressing.
23. What precautions we need to take before using Selenium? Mention its role in
Selsun.
Ans. Selenium is toxic in large doses, although appeared to be an important nutrient at trace
amount. It has been employed in 2.5% w/vsuspensions in the treatment of seborrhea
dermatitis (dandruff). Selenium sulfide appears to have a cytostatic effect of the epidermis
and follicular epithelium. Since it is not well absorbed through skin, it is used topically in
very limited areas. It should be kept away from conjunctiva and prolonged contact with skin
will produce contact dermatitis (skin reactions from allergen). Topical application over scalp
is allowed for 5 minutes and then thoroughly washed off. Hands should be thoroughly
washed and fingernails should be meticulously cleaned after using selenium sulfide.
24. Mention use of Boric acid in eye wash and diaper rash.
Ans. Boric acid has been used in solutions, ointments and dusting powders as antiseptic. It is
a weak bacteriostatic agent, non-irritating when applied to skin and mucus membranes. It is
therefore used in ophthalmic preparations as a buffer and in a saturated solution (about 4.5%)
as a bacteriostatic eye wash. The more concentrated solution should be diluted with equal

volume of water before use. The higher concentration is near saturation and tends to
crystallize with a slight drop of temperature. 5% ointments (Borax ) used as emollient
antiseptic in diaper rash instead of talc powder. The powdered form of Boric acid is not
recommended in infants.
25. Why Arsenic compounds are called Protoplasmic Poisons.
Ans. Arsenic compounds interact with the sulfhydryl group of groups of cysteine and other
compounds containing the same group (glutathione and thioglycolic acid) and cause
disruption in cellular energy metabolism. Thats why arsenic compounds are called
protoplasmic poisons and distinguishes from protein precipitants which will interact with
many other polar groups on protein molecules to cause generalized precipitation of albumin
and other non-sulfhydryl containing proteins.
26. What are the limitations of AlCl2. 6H2O to be used as an anti-perspirant?
Ans. Deodorants do not prevent sweating, but are helpful in reducing body odor. Products
containing 10% to 20% aluminum chloride hexahydrate are the first line of treatment for
underarm sweating. Some patients may be prescribed a product containing a higher dose of
aluminum chloride, which is applied nightly onto the affected areas. . Aluminum chloride is a
local external astringent and mild antiseptic. It is used in aqueous solution in concentration
ranging from 10 to 15%. The solution may be too irritating for sensitive tissues. The
compound may be initially employed as an antiperspirant, but was found to be too irritating
and also damage clothing due in part to the formation of HCl by hydrolysis.
27. Justify use of Alum NF as an alternative for after shave lotion. What are the other
uses?
Ans. Alum [Aluminum Ammonium Sulfate, AlNH4(SO4)2. 12H2O] is used to describe a
double salt of a trivalent and a univalent element containing 12 molecules of water of
hydration. It is used in foot baths as means of toughening the skin. Astringent solutions of
Alum will usually contain between 0.5 to 5% of the compound. It is active ingredient in
stypic pencils, where it is used to stop bleeding from small cuts. The protein precipitant
properties of alum are utilized in the preparation of precipitated diphtheria and tetanus
toxoids. The astringent action is further employed as antiseptic and stypic after shaving. It has
advantage over aftershave solutions in the fact that alcohol content of aftershave may cause

oiliness due to excessive lipid extraction and evaporated alcohol might cause hypotension in
many individuals.
28. What unparallel astringent action lies in ZnCl2? What are its other uses?
Ans. Zinc Chloride is powerful astringent, beside ability to precipitate protein; metal portion
can interact with many other bacterial enzymes to inhibit their functions. The strong
astringent property makes it useful as an escharotic (causes sloughing of tissue, aiding in the
formation of scar tissue to improve healing) which is more caustic than astringent action.
Zinc Chloride USP applied as solution containing 0.5 to 2% ZnCl 2. The lower concentration
may be applied to mucous membranes and used as a nasal spray in office procedure to aid
drainage from infected sinus. The USP also recognizes it as a desensitizer of dentin. For this
reason 10% solution is applied topically to the teeth.
29. Define the terms acne vulgaris/cystic acne and seborrhea dermatitis. Mention role of
Zinc ion of white lotion NF in these conditions.
Ans: Acne is a skin condition that causes whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed red growths
(papules, pustules, and cysts) to form. These growths are commonly called pimples or "zits."
The top of the plug may be white (whitehead) or dark (blackhead).
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, inflammatory skin condition that causes flaky, white to
yellowish scales to form on oily areas such as the scalp or inside the ear. It can occur with or
without reddened skin.
White lotion NF is a sulfurated potash solution (40g in 450ml of water) slowly added to a
solution of ZnSO4 (40g in 450ml of water) and then adding water to a volume of 1000ml.
30. What is ZPTO? Mention its role and precautions in anti-dandruff shampoos.
Ans. ZINC PYRITHIONE, also known as Zinc Pyridine-2-Thiol-N-Oxide, has been
established as an effective ANTISEBORRHEIC AGENT. Because of its limited aqueous
solubility it is currently being marketed as a suspension in hair-cleansing and hair-grooming
preparation. A new study proposes that the mode of action of zinc pyrithione arises from iron
starvation of the substrate. Its antifungal effect is proposed to derive from its ability to disrupt
membrane transport by blocking the proton pump that energizes the transport mechanism.