Medication packaging design and its role in drug stability

The design of medication packaging, such as the choice between aluminum and transparent plastic blister packs, is driven by the need to protect drugs from environmental factors and maintain their properties.

According to pharmacist Pablo Caballero of the General Council of Pharmaceutical Colleges, packaging is divided into primary and secondary conditioning. Primary packaging, which includes blister packs, glass containers, or vials, must directly contact the medication without reacting with it or affecting its stability, potency, or safety. Secondary packaging refers to the outer box that provides additional protection.

While opaque materials like aluminum can offer extra protection against light, the color of a blister pack does not dictate how a medicine should be stored. For accurate storage instructions, consumers should consult the package insert or the indications printed on the medication's packaging rather than relying on the appearance of the blister.