Which of the following are examples of topical medications?

• A. Injections
• B. Tablets
• C. Vials
• D. Creams, lotions and ointments

Answer: (D)

Topical medications are applied to the skin or mucous membranes to act locally at the site of application rather than being swallowed or injected for systemic effect. Creams, lotions and ointments are classic topical forms because they’re designed to stay on the surface and deliver the drug directly where it’s needed. Injections involve delivering a drug into tissue or bloodstream (parenteral route), and tablets are taken orally and absorbed through the digestive system, not the skin. A vial is simply a container for a drug solution or suspension and doesn’t itself describe a topical product. So the best example of a topical medication is creams, lotions and ointments.