Pharmaceutical and Medical Packaging News
Magazine
PMPN Article Index
Originally Published September 2000
PRODUCT UPDATE
Preserve Product Integrity with
DESICCANTS
Desiccants defend pharmaceuticals and other moisture-sensitive products against damage from humidity.
Moisture-sensitive chemical activity and pharmaceutical potency are maintained by high-performance desiccants that are distributed worldwide. The MIL-SPEC adsorption performance also ensures that hygroscopic materials will continue to flow and that medical equipment does not become corroded. The supplier can produce packaging tailored to customer specifications and deliver it on time wherever and whenever it is needed. Engelhard Corp., Jackson, MS.
A line of desiccants enclosed in compact packets is designed to provide absorption of moisture, odor, and gas. PillowPak desiccants come in Tyvek, paper, clear film, and nonwoven substrates, in sizes of 0.25 to 14 g. Small, pharmaceutical-grade desiccants are included in the line. The packets contain silica gel, a molecular sieve, montmorillonite clay, activated carbon, or specialty blends and feature controlled porosity, nondusting and nonlinting properties, and compliance with FDA and USDA guidelines. Desiccare Inc., Santa Fe Springs, CA.
Molecular-sieve desiccant tablets can be shaped to meet custom requirements. Chemically inert and nontoxic Dritabs are designed for high-volume packaging applications involving pharmaceutical or biochemical products or the assembly of diagnostic reagent kits. Made from highly active synthetic sodium aluminosilicate, which has a strong affinity for water, the 0.25- and 0.5-g tablets can adsorb moisture amounting to more than 20% of their original weight. They can keep a system totally dry over a long period; one 0.25-g tablet will reduce the relative humidity in a 100-ml container at 25°C from 40% to zero more than 40 times before it loses its activity. Thompson & Capper Ltd., Runcorn, Cheshire, UK.
Desiccant stoppers are designed especially for use with standard container finishes. A variety of new desiccant closures for the North American market offer alternatives to the desiccant pouches and canisters currently used. The 33/400 CRC with desiccant cell is a child-resistant closure for use with packaging for a range of moisture-sensitive pharmaceutical and nutritional products. The 38-mm hinge cap for PET bottles, equipped with the company's Hingegard finish, is suited for hygroscopic and potentially odorous nutritional products. Sanner of America Inc., Cherry Hill, NJ.
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