Table of Contents
Definition of Pharmaceutical Packaging
Pharmaceutical packaging is the phenomena or operation, as the part of any drug discovery and development program.
Pharmaceutical products generally require a standard of packaging which is superior to that of most other products in order to support and comply with their main requirements, i.e. proven efficacy, safety, uniformity, reproducibility, integrity, purity with limited impurities, minimum side effects coupled to minimum product liability risks, and a good shelf-life stability profile.
- For any packaging require a discipline and lots of knowledge about the drugs formulations and dosages form, and the general physical and chemical properties of drug substances. Packaging helps in the products stability, transportation, storage, and deterioration conditions.
- Pharmaceutical packaging of the economical means providing protection identification information , convenience and stability of the product.
Factor affecting Pharmaceutical Packaging
- The type of dosage form
- The route or mode of administration or use
- The type of pack (Blister or strip)
- The mode of sale/marketing area
- The mode of dispensing via a combined device/pack.
Types of packaging testing
- Drop test.
- Collapsibility test.
- Vibration test.
- Shock test.
- Inclined impact test.
- Revolving drum test.
Ideal characteristic of packaging
- Provide the high degree of protection against any contamination like environment as well as artificial issues.
- Do not show any in-compatibility (physical or chemical) with the product material.
- Easy to handling, storage and transport according to the customer convenience.
- Easy to sterilization method and easily participate in recycling process.
- Show more longevity and high printing property.
- Affordable economical value
Types of packaging
- Primary packaging- In primary packaging material are directly covered the products and come close to the products and hold it. It provides the initial safety barrier for product. This type of packaging is often intended for the end user or consumer so it is also called consumer unit packaging. Example:- Strips, Blister, bottle, spray cane.
- Secondary packaging-These types of packaging apply, outside of the primary packaging and it facilitates the handling of smaller products by combining them into a single pack. Example:- Boxes.
- Tertiary packaging- It is used for bulk handling and shipping. It facilitates the handling , storage and transport of goods. It provides the final barrier to products from damage.
Types of packaging materials
- Glass material.
- Plastic material.
- Metals materials.
- Rubber materials.
- Paper board materials.