There are many different options in packaging for pharmaceutical products. The primary focus in determining the best packaging option is in protecting the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) from any environmental factors that may degrade or otherwise impact the medication.
These factors have to be carefully considered in pharmaceutical contract packaging. Issues such as humidity absorption from the air, reaction with chemicals, the possibility of degradation due to UV light or any number of other issues must be carefully considered.
The Options
A top provider offering pharmaceutical contract packaging will be able to work to the needs of your pharmaceutical company with regards to finding the ideal packaging option. Of course, in addition to protecting and preserving the API, the packaging must be effective for the patient or end-user as well.
Each packaging option can include different variables. Understanding why a particular packaging option is best for a specific type of pharmaceutical product will be a factor of the medication, the dosage requirements and if there is a need for time delay or rapid absorption by the body.
Solid Forms
For medications administered orally in solid form, tablets and capsules provide the ideal packaging choice. These options in pharmaceutical contract packaging include multiple options from tablets that immediately dissolve in the mouth to slow release capsules that provide a continual level of medication over a specific time period.
Coatings can also be applied to both tablets and capsules to provide specific additional benefits or requirements.
Liquids and Topicals
Gels, creams, lotions, and ointments have to be packaged in user-friendly forms that are resealable in most types of application. Liquid oral medications may be bottled or otherwise packaged to provide single dosage forms.
There are also specialized types of pharmaceutical packaging required for medications that are administered as suppositories or for powder or similar formulations.
Working with a top contract packaging manufacturer will be essential in choosing the right option for the specific medication and dosage form.