Closures, packaging injectable products

The choice of elastomer has the greatest effect on a formulation. The most common elastomers that can be used for closures for injectable products are given in Table 12.5. Of these elastomers, natural rubber, synthetic polyisoprene, butyl, chlorobutyl and bromobutyl rubber are typically used for the manufacture of rubber closures and stoppers used in the packaging and administration of parenterals. 

Several dosage forms carry an increased risk of degradation or adjunct formation. Products such as injections and aerosols are more likely to interact with volatiles or extractables from packaging and closure systems. Tablets have the potential to form adjuncts with excipients (specifically, lactose has been shown to form adjuncts in tablets). Non-CFC propellants in aerosols have a large number of impurities that typically do not interact with drug substances, but the potential for these interactions does still exist. Creams, ointments, lotions, and other such products will each have specific interactions that should be considered while evaluating the impurity profile of a drug product. 

Injection molding is the process in which meited piastic is forced into a mold where it is shaped and cooied. In packaging, it is the usuai method for manufacturing closures (caps and lids) of various types. Injection moiding is aiso used for producing margarine tubs, 5-gai pails, and other containers and package components. A very important appiication is production of preforms for injection blow molded bottles. 

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