Which product is primarily used to provide a medicinal effect through a topical application?

The correct answer is liniment, as it is designed specifically for topical application and offers a medicinal effect when applied to the skin. Liniments typically contain active ingredients dissolved in alcohol, oil, or another solvent, allowing for easy absorption through the skin. They are often used to relieve pain, inflammation, and muscle stiffness by providing a soothing effect or by promoting blood flow to the affected area.

In contrast, a suppository is intended for administration via the rectum or vagina and is used to deliver medication directly to the internal system. Extracts are concentrated preparations of plant or animal materials, which may not be formulated specifically for topical use; they are more commonly used in oral or other forms of administration. Solutions can refer to various types of preparations where a solute is dissolved in a solvent, but not all solutions are meant for topical use. A solution for topical application could exist, but it wouldn’t have the specialized therapeutic focus and ease of use that liniments provide.