Pharmaceutical Packaging
Introduction to Pharmaceutical Packaging
Pharmaceutical packaging is the science, art, and technology of enclosing or protectiīng pharmaceutical products for distribution, storage, sale, use and to ensure the safer delivery of the product throughout its journey from manufacturing to the end-user.Functions of Packaging
- Identification of the product
- Gives information about the product
- Protect the product
- Preservation the product
- Product presentation
- Promote the product
- Facilitating the use of the product
Characteristics of Pharmaceutical Packaging Material
The packaging material selected must have the following characteristics.
- Packaging material must be non-toxic.
- They must be FDA approved.
- Packaging material must meet tamper-resistant requirements.
- The material of packaging must not impart color, odor, or taste to the product.
- Packaging material must not be reactive with the product.
- Packaging must not alter the quality of the product.
- They must protect the pharmaceutical preparations from environmental conditions like physical damage, chemical, microbial contamination, light, moisture, and oxygen.
- Packaging material must be adaptable to commonly employed high-speed packaging equipment.
Types of Pharmaceutical Packaging
Primary packaging
Primary packaging is the material that first envelops the product and holds it. It is directly contacted with the contents.Examples – Strip package, blister package, pouches, ampoules, vials, bottle, containers, dosing dropper, syringe, etc.
Secondary packaging
Secondary packaging is outside the primary packaging and used to group primary packages together.Examples – Cartons, boxes, etc.
Tertiary packaging
Tertiary packaging is used for bulk handling, warehouse storage, and transport shipping.Examples – Pallets, crates, etc.
Types of packaging material
1. Glass – Bottles, glass containers, ampoules, vials, etc.2. Plastics – Bottles, dosing dropper, tubes, etc.
3. Metals – Aerosol can, collapsible tubes, etc.
4. Rubber – Rubber closure etc.
5. Paper – Pouches, boxes, labels, and leaflets, etc.
Package testing
1. Drop test2. Vibration test
3. Shock test
4. Inclined impact test
5. Revolving drum test
Also Read: Blister Packaging in Pharmaceutical