Packaging and storage—
Preserve in well-closed containers.
Identification—
Transfer a quantity of Ointment, equivalent to about 5 mg of hydrocortisone, to a flask, add 10 mL of methanol, and heat on a steam bath for 5 minutes with frequent shaking. Cool to solidify the ointment base, and filter. Using the filtrate as the test solution, proceed as directed under
Thin-layer Chromatographic Identification Test 
201
.
Microbial limits 61—
It meets the requirements of the tests for absence of
Staphylococcus aureus and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Assay—
Proceed with Ointment as directed in the
Assay under
Hydrocortisone Cream, except to read Ointment instead of Cream, and to use alcohol instead of methanol.
