Unit-Dose Packaging Offers Special Benefits

Unit-Dose Packaging Offers Special Benefits

by Steve Dilts

Unit-dose packaging of nutritional products offers many important benefits, such as dosage control and preservation of the active ingredients until time of use. Unit-dosing of tablets and powders is well established in several forms. However, more recently, many manufacturers are placing their active ingredients in liquid form, often in aqueous solutions, because the uptake is faster than in solid form. For these products, unit-dose packaging presents several challenges.

Gelatin capsules and glass vials have long been available for liquids. However, the limitations of these packages have presented the need for other choices. For example, aqueous solutions are frequently incompatible with gelatin capsules, and glass vials are relatively costly and prone to breakage in shipment. In addition, some packaging processes involve high temperatures that degrade the active ingredients.

Plastic unit-dose containers may offer a better alternative. Unicep Packaging, for example, offers MicroDose and Twist-Tip vials. Both containers are manufactured via Unicep's proprietary in-line Modified-Blow-Fill-Seal system. The unique process avoids high-temperature exposure during packaging, thus leaving the bulk solution unaltered. For liquid suspensions, the bulk container can be agitated to keep suspended solids in solution.

The dispensers offer particular benefits from their material to the special sizing. For instance, MicroDose dispensers have a dispensing tip that can be used for controlled application of topical products or as a dropper mechanism. This may also aid in administering liquids under the tongue or delivering site-specific topically applied products. In contrast, the Twist-Tip vial is similar to a small bottle, with a large reservoir topped by a twist-off tab; the vial can be used for oral or topical products.

Regardless of the type of packaging, unit-dose containers can be decorated to deliver a message. Decorating options include ink-jet printing or full-wrap pressure sensitive labels. Secondary packaging choices include form-fill-seal pouches, bags, folding cartons, blister packs or plastic clamshells.

Steve Dilts is director of marketing of Sandpoint, Idaho-based Unicep Packaging, an FDA-licensed manufacturer and packager of dental, medical, cosmetic and nutritional products. The company can be contacted at (208) 265-9696 or www.unicep.com.

Unicep Packaging

SANDPOINT, Idaho--Contract packager Unicep Packaging Inc. introduced Twist-Tip vials for orally or topically dosed gels and liquids. The pre-filled one-piece plastic vials include an integral twist-off tab. Once opened, the user squeezes or pours to dispense. Sizes range from 0.2 ml to 10 ml with custom sizes available. FDA, GMP, ISO9001. Contact Unicep at (208) 265-9696.

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