Packaging of Pharmaceuticals

          Packaging can be defined as an economical means information, presentation, protection, identification, information, containment, convenience and compliance for a product during storage carriage display and use until such time as the product is used or administered.

Parts of the package:

• Container
• Closure

Container

A container may be defined as a device in which the drug is enclosed and is in direct contact with the drug.

Closure

A closure is a device as a seals the container to exclude O₂ , CO₂ , moisture , micro organisms and prevent the loss of volatile substances. It also prevents the loss of medicament during transport and handling.

Other component part

Primary Package/ Container

Is the immediate container which direct contact with the drugs. Resist chemical.

Secondary Package/Container

Is the outer container may be outer rapper. It is not directly contact with  the drug.

Characteristic of container and closures

• The container must be sufficient strong to withstand handling while empty, when filling, closing, sterilizing, labeling, transport, storage and use by the consumer. 
• They should not allow any and loss of product due to leakage, spoilage or permeation. 
• The material of the container from which they are prepared must not react with the contents.
• They must be able to withstand heat if process includes sterilization by heat.
•  They surface of the container must be clear for easy labeling.
• The container must not absorb substances from the preparation.   

            EX:- Absorption of water and oily substances from ointment and creams by the cardboard boxes.

•  The container must not impart its own color, taste and odor to the preparation.
•  The container and closure must not react either with each other or with the preparation.
• The container should be able to protect light sensitive preparation for which amber colored glass containers may be used.
• The size of the container must be selected according to the size of the preparation.
• The closure must be easy to remove and replace.
• The cost of container and closure is an integral part of overall cost of the preparation, so it should not be high.
• A container should facilitate the identification of a product. Whether meant for internal or external use.