Edit page | Page history | Printable version

paraffin

(Science: chemical) A mixture of solid hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum. It has a wide range of uses including as a stiffening agent in ointments, as a lubricant, and as a topical anti-inflammatory. It is also commonly used as an embedding material in histology.

Pharmacological action: anti-inflammatory agent, topical, pharmaceutic aid, sclerosing solutions.

Chemical name: paraffin waxes and Hydrocarbon waxes