Pharmaceutical Packaging: Containers & Closures

Abstract

Pharmaceutical packaging is regarded as an integral part of the end pharmaceutical product. The primary packaging is the one which is in direct contact with the product (i.e. bottle, cap, cap liner, label etc). The functions of the primary package are to contain and to restrict any chemical, climatic or biological or occasionally mechanical hazards that may cause or lead to product deterioration. Packaging must also function as a means of drug administrations. The packaging external to the primary package is known as the secondary packaging. The secondary packaging provides the additional physical protection necessary to endure the safe warehousing and for refill packaging. Tamper–resistant packaging mainly includes film wrapper, Blister package, strip package, bubble pack and shrink package. This review article examines every significant aspect of pharmaceutical packaging in a comprehensive and readable way. It presents a detailed review of functions of packaging, factor influencing the choice of package, containers, closures and robotics. Also included is a discussion of current issues and problems in this area of packaging.

KEYWORD: Packaging, Containers, Child resistant, Robotics.