Cation-Saturated Bentonites as Constituents of Ointment Bases†

Ointment bases have been prepared utilizing Na, K, Ca, Mg, H, and Volclay bentonites as major constituents of these bases. Observations are reported on the relative swellin power of these bentonites, and the color intensity and pH of their bases. Anti-inkctive ointments were prepared utilizin these bases as carriers for the drugs, and studies of the bacteriological activity of tfese ointments are reported. These ointments show greater antibacterial activity than their respective U.S. P. and N. F. ointments. Sulfathiazole, phenol, and ammoniated mercury showed greater activity when incorporated into a H bentonite base than when these drugs were incorporated into the other bentonite bases.