One of the most popular options in the packaging of pharmaceuticals, either prescriptions or over-the-counter medications, is the use of blister cards. This type of packaging has been in use for decades, but the original use of the packaging option continues to evolve.
Historically, the instruction of the use of blister packaging was in the 1960s. It was specifically seen as an effective way for easy patient compliance with oral contraceptives. The manufacturers were able to use square, rectangular or round blister cards that listed the days of the week, helping to ensure patient compliance in taking the daily dose in a way not possible when the pills were dispensed in bulk forms in bottles.
Within a short period of time the use of blister packaging, specifically for patient compliance with daily use medications, became an accepted packaging option. It was also a good option for the pharmaceutical companies as it had a low cost of production combined with the added benefits of easy visibility if the packaging had been tampered with anyway.
New Options
Today, blister cards offer a lot of choices for pharmaceutical companies to consider. This includes different types of packaging options including heat-sealed or cold-formed, both which can provide safety and protection for the medication along with the easy to identify tampering factor.
With new foils and materials to make the blister packaging and backing, even light sensitive medications can be easily packaged in single dosage amounts of easy portability and maximum protection for the drugs.
Other options to consider include the use of pre-printed foils which can identify the medication. Companies specializing in this type of packaging offer blister packaging that can be child-resistant or designed to be easy to open for seniors. This packaging is also considered ideal for hospital unit dose packaging, providing precise drug administration and record keeping that eliminates human error when using pharmaceutical bulk bottles.