There is a considerable amount of research that goes into every aspect of a new pharmaceutical product. Every aspect of the medication, including the packaging process and choice, has to meet full approval before the product can be marketed.
Choosing the right pharmaceutical container will depend on many different factors. Three very important considerations are discussed below to assist in determining which materials, packaging types and packaging options are right for the given medication.
Medication Dosage and Frequency of Use
Portability is a factor that needs to be considered when a medication is used multiple times throughout the day. This is why products such as cold capsules or tablets or even throat lozenges are commonly found in blister packs.
These are a highly portable type of packaging with the secondary, outer pharmaceutical container designed to protect the blister cards and to provide patient information and marketing.
Special Needs of the Patients
Many types of medications will need a pharmaceutical container that is designed to restrict access to the medications or to make access to the medications easier. For example, many pharmaceuticals are sold in child-resistant containers to prevent children from accessing the medication.
Seniors or those with motor control problems may require specialized packaging that makes it easier to open containers and to access meds. This is often seen in arthritis medications and pain medications.
Safety and Shelf Life Considerations
Not all medications can be damaged by environmental conditions, but some can break down if exposed to UV light, extreme temperatures or moisture. This may need to be considered not just with the initial packaging, but in protecting bottles of medications once they have the safety seal removed by the patient.
Working closely with a pharmaceutical packaging company can provide insight into the best containers, both primary and secondary packaging, for any type of medication with specific packaging requirements.
