In medicine, a topical medication is applied to body surfaces such as the skin or mucous membranes, for example the vagina, anus, throat, eyes and ears.

Some hydrophobic chemicals such as steroid hormones can be absorbed into the body after being applied to the skin in the form of a cream, gel or lotion. Transdermal patches have become a popular means of administering some drugs for birth control, hormone replacement therapy, and prevention of motion sickness. Chloramphenicol is an example of an antibiotic that may be used topically.

In dentistry, a topical medication may also mean one that is applied to the surface of teeth.

"Topical" is derived from the Ancient Greek topos (plural: topoi), "place" or "location".

Classes of topical medications

In reality, what a manufacturer chose to list on the label of a topical medication might be completely different than what the medication is. Example is Eucerin cream, it is more of an ointment than a cream. A medication's potency often is changed with its base. Example is that some topical steroid will be classified one or two strengths higher when moving from cream to ointment. The theory is that an oitment base is more occlusive and will drive the medication into the skin more rapidly than a solution or cream base.

The manufacturer of each topical products has total control over the content of the base of a medication. One generic cream might be more acidic than another, and can cause skin irritation. Example: a vaginal formulation of miconizole cream might irritate the skin less than an athlete foot formulation of miconizole cream. Name brand topical medication might result in completely different clinical outcome than a generic, even though the active ingredient is the same. No comparative potency labeling exists to ensure equal efficacy between generic and brand name topical steroids (percentage of oil vs water dramatically affect the potency of topical steroid). Studies have conformed that the potency of generic topical steroid products vs. name brand products (however, ointment base might be more similar). Example is the case of brand name Valisone cream and Kenalog cream in clinical studies have demonstrated significantly better vasoconstrictions than some generics. But, again, in a simple base like an ointment, this might not be the case. The key point here is, generic topical might not be equivalent to name brand topical; mainly due to the variable composition of the base.

In dermatology, the base of a topical medication is often as important as the medication itself. It is extremely important to receive a medication in the correct base, before applying to the skin. A pharmacist should not substitute an ointment for a cream, or vice-versa; as the potency of the medication can change. Some physicians use an ointment to replace the waterproof barrier of the inflammed skin in the treatment of eczema, and a cream might not accomplish the same clinical intention.