What is the Purpose of Pharmaceutical Packaging?
Purpose of Pharmaceutical Packaging
Pharmaceutical packaging is used to package medicines and other products that require specific handling and storage. It is a vital part of ensuring that these products are safe for use by patients and other health care professionals.
There are many different types of Pharmaceutical packaging, each designed to protect the contents from deterioration and maintain their integrity throughout their transport and distribution. The packaging also needs to be able to communicate important information about the product, such as dosage instructions and warnings.
The first level of pharmaceutical packaging is the container or bottle that encloses the drug or product, which can be anything from a solid to an aerosol. This packaging should be incapable of altering the drug or product’s chemical composition and should be able to withstand environmental conditions such as heat, moisture, and light.
What is the Purpose of Pharmaceutical Packaging?
This layer of packaging is a protective covering that manufacturers apply to the Primary package, preventing tampering and snagging that could damage the drug or product. It is normally found in the form of a carton, which can be easily customisable and offers excellent protection for the product.
This level of packaging is typically made from a tough and durable material, such as plastic, that can withstand the stresses of shipping. It is commonly used in bespoke cartons and can be printed to help with brand awareness.
In addition, tertiary packaging can be made from materials that can be recycled to ensure that less is wasted. This is essential for the pharmaceutical industry, as waste can be a major source of costs and pollution.
It is not uncommon for children to chew or swallow medicines and this can lead to deadly consequences. This is why it is vital to use packaging that is child resistant in the production of drugs and supplements.
Traditionally, blister packs are made from a tough and durable plastic called polystyrene. These packages have been in use for years and offer good strength and stability to drugs and other products that have high levels of moisture or are sensitive to airborne contaminants.
Carton packaging is a traditional form of pharmaceutical packaging, and remains one of the most popular options for this type of packaging. These boxes are often glued and sealed together to make them strong and secure. They are able to handle various products including small-volume parenteral vials, ampoules, and prefillable syringes.
The majority of pharma packaging comes from paperboard and this is due to the fact that it is inexpensive, flexible, and can be easily folded or shaped into a variety of shapes. It is also an environmentally friendly alternative to more expensive and harder-to-produce plastic packaging, especially when it comes to packaging liquid or aerosol products.
However, the industry should invest more in research and development in order to develop innovative and better-quality packaging options. This will allow for increased safety, security, and quality in the end product, as well as improved patient comfort and convenience.