noun
dusting powder; medicated powder
Pharmaceutical term for a fine powder applied externally to the skin, often for medicinal or protective purposes.
医師は患部に撒布剤を処方した。
The doctor prescribed a dusting powder for the affected area.
粉薬 is a general term for powdered medicine, often taken orally, while 撒布剤 specifically refers to a powder applied externally.
Compound of 撒布 (sappu, 'scattering' or 'sprinkling') and 剤 (zai, 'medicine' or 'preparation'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the spelling is conventionally associated with pharmaceutical dusting powders.