Okuzeka
Pharmacy & Pharmacology vocabulary · Routes of Administration

Topical

Meaning in pharmacy & pharmacology, with examples

/ˈtɑpɪkəl/adjectiveCommon term

In pharmacy & pharmacology, topical means: Applied directly to a part of the body, such as the skin, the eyes or the inside of the nose, usually to act at that place rather than throughout the body.

In Turkish: topikal, haricen uygulanan, lokal

How it is used

Used for creams, ointments, gels, eye drops and sprays: topical steroids, topical antibiotics, topical NSAIDs. The opposite is 'systemic'. Some topical medicines still reach the blood, especially on large areas or broken skin, so pharmacists explain how much to apply.

Example sentences

  1. A topical NSAID gel may be enough for his knee pain.

  2. Topical steroids come in different strengths, from mild to very potent.

Common collocations

  • topical cream
  • topical steroid
  • topical application
  • apply topically
  • ointmentA greasy, semi-solid preparation with little or no water that is applied to the skin or eyes and stays on the surface longer than a cream.
  • route of administrationThe way a medicine enters the body, for example by mouth, through the skin, by injection into a vein or muscle, or by breathing it in.
  • corticosteroidA medicine similar to hormones made by the adrenal glands, used to reduce inflammation and calm the immune system in conditions such as asthma, eczema and arthritis.
  • dosage formThe physical form in which a medicine is made and given, such as a tablet, capsule, syrup, cream, injection, patch or suppository.

More terms: Routes of Administration

Practise with graded reading

Reading at the right level is the fastest way to make new words stick. Pick free English books by level:

This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.