Drug packaging materials properties

Some antioxidants possess antimicrobial properties, such as propyl gallate and butylated hydroxy anisole, which are somewhat effective against bacteria. Butylated hydroxy toluene has demonstrated some antiviral activity. Compatibility of antioxidants with the drug, packaging system and the body should be studied carefully. For example, tocopherols may be absorbed onto plastics ascorbic acid is incompatible with alkalis, heavy metals, and oxidizing materials such as phenylephrine, and sodium nitrite and propyl gallate forms complexes with metal ions such as sodium, potassium and iron. 

Packaging materials must protect the dmg without altering in any way the composition of the product. One problem is that of adsorption of constituents, for example, preservatives, from the drug product (see section 6.2.8). The permeability of the packing material to gases or liquids should also be considered, since this may result in deterioration of the product due to oxidation, hydrolysis or loss of volatile ingredients. Monolayers are useful models by which the properties of... 

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