In the packaging industry, it is critical that all products are sealed, secured, and delivered to their intended location. This is especially true for pharmaceutical packaging companies that must transport large quantities of medicines to hospitals, pharmacies, and other medical facilities. The medication must be properly closed and accurately dosed to ensure completely safety for all patients.
There are several medical packaging techniques that these companies utilize to ensure the quality and effectiveness of any medication. Two of the most popular ones are blister packaging and bottle packaging. The blister packaging process results in the plastic pop-out pill dispensing method that people are accustomed to when they get samples of medication. A plastic shell encases the pill, while aluminum, paper or plastic provides the removable backing. Bottle packaging involves dispensing medication in a bottle that usually has a twist-off lid. These are commonly use for prescription medication dispensing.
But there has been some discussion about the safety of bottle packaging. While increased safety measures have been placed on bottles to keep them out of the reach of children, these bottles can be left open accidentally, or improperly closed, making them hazardous. In fact, every year, about 60,000 emergency room visits are attributed to accidental ingestion of medicines, according a 2013 Journal of Pediatrics study. In addition, smaller pills can be easily lost as the pills are poured out, which could result in incorrect dosage, and increase the chances of a toddler or infant picking the pill up and ingesting it.
As a result, the blister packaging process has gain repute because it eliminates many of these risks. With blister packaging, individual pills are enclosed in each case, and can only be dispensed by popping the pill out. This ensures that pills cannot be lost carelessly, and are not easily accessed by children. It also allows for fast medication access for the elderly, as bottles can be difficult to push and turn.
Another advantage to blister packaging is its ability to seal medication from moisture. Moisture, air, and other elements have a tendency to corrode medication. The recommended temperature to keep pills is between 68 to 77 degrees, and if exceeded medication can begin to experience physical changes due to moisture. As the pills change, their potency can also be altered, and the effects can be harmful to patients taking the medication. In blister packaging, this risk is reduced, as the sealing method keeps the moisture out.
Last year saw a 1,000% increase in generic pill usage, such as antibiotics and cholesterol medication, according to a National Community Pharmacists Association survey. To keep up with this demand, medication production has doubled, and the need for cost cutting solutions is becoming increasingly necessary. The blister packaging process is considered more cost effective than bottle packaging. Blister packages can be mass produced, while bottle production can take longer and require more overall energy output.
Medication distribution will continue to be an important part of the health care industry. With proper packaging and dispensing, pharmaceutical packaging companies will be able to ensure secure medication distribution, and reduce wastage, labor, and overall production costs. More importantly, patients will have safer access to the medication they need. Continue reading here: www.sharpservices.com
