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Physical Tests / 671 ContainersPerformance Testing 265

individual containers so prepared to the nearest 0.1 mg if the container volume is less than 20 mL; to the nearest mg if the container volume is 20 mL or more but less than 200 mL; or to the nearest centigram (10 mg) if the container volume is 200 mL or more; and store at 75 3% relative humidity and a temperature of 23 2. [NOTEA saturated system of 35 g of sodium chloride with each 100 mL of water placed in the bottom of a desiccator maintains the specified humidity. Other methods may be employed to maintain these conditions.] After 336 1 hours (14 days), record the weight of the individual containers in the same manner. Completely fill 5 empty containers of the same size and type as the containers under test with water or a noncompressible, free-flowing solid such as welltamped fine glass beads, to the level indicated by the closure surface when in place. Transfer the contents of each to a graduated cylinder, and determine the average container volume, in mL. Calculate the rate of moisture permeability, in mg per day per L, by the formula: (1000/14V)[(TF TI) (CF CI)] in which V is the volume, in mL, of the container; (TF TI) is the difference, in mg, between the final and initial weights of each test container; and (CF CI) is the difference, in mg, between the average final and average initial weights of the 2 controls. For containers used for drugs being dispensed on prescription, the containers so tested are tight containers if not more than 1 of the 10 test containers exceeds 100 mg per day per L in moisture permeability, and none exceeds 200 mg per day per L. For containers used for drugs being dispensed on prescription, the containers are well-closed containers if not more than 1 of the 10 test containers exceeds 2000 mg per day per L in moisture permeability, and none exceeds 3000 mg per day per L.
Table 1. Torque Applicable to Screw-Type Container Closure Diametera (mm) 8 10 13 15 18 20 22 24 28 30 33 38 43 48 53 58 63 66 70
a

671 CONTAINERS PERFORMANCE TESTING

It is the purpose of this chapter to provide standards for the functional properties of containers and their components used to package regulated articles (pharmaceuticals, biologics, dietary supplements, and devices). Definitions that apply to this chapter are provided in the Preservation, Packaging, Storage, and Labeling section of the General Notices and Requirements. The tests that follow are provided to determine the moisture permeability and light transmission of containers utilized for regulated articles. The section Multiple-Unit Containers for Capsules and Tablets applies to multiple-unit containers. The section Single-Unit Containers and Unit-Dose Containers for Capsules and Tablets applies to single-unit and unit-dose containers. The section Multiple-Unit Containers for Capsules and Tablets (Without Closure) applies to polyethylene and polypropylene containers that have no closures. The section Multiple-Unit and Single-Unit Containers for Liquids applies to multiple-unit and single-unit containers. A container intended to provide protection from light or offered as a light-resistant container meets the requirements for Light Transmission, where such protection or resistance is by virtue of the specific properties of the material of which the container is composed, including any coating applied thereto. A clear and colorless or a translucent container that is made light-resistant by means of an opaque enclosure (see General Notices and Requirements) is exempt from the requirements for Light Transmission. As used herein, the term container refers to the entire system comprising, usually, the container itself, the liner (if used), the closure in the case of multiple-unit containers, and the lidding and blister in the case of unit-dose containers.

MOISTURE PERMEATION Multiple-Unit Containers for Capsules and Tablets

DesiccantPlace a quantity of 4- to 8-mesh, anhydrous calcium chloride1 in a shallow container, taking care to exclude any fine powder, then dry at 110 for 1 hour, and cool in a desiccator. ProcedureSelect 12 containers of a uniform size and type, clean the sealing surfaces with a lint-free cloth, and close and open each container 30 times. Apply the closure firmly and uniformly each time the container is closed. Close screw-capped containers with a torque that is within the range of tightness specified in the accompanying table. Add Desiccant to 10 of the containers, designated test containers, filling each to within 13 mm of the closure if the container volume is 20 mL or more, or filling each to two-thirds of capacity if the container volume is less than 20 mL. If the interior of the container is more than 63 mm in depth, an inert filler or spacer may be placed in the bottom to minimize the total weight of the container and Desiccant; the layer of Desiccant in such a container shall be not less than 5 cm in depth. Close each immediately after adding Desiccant, applying the torque designated in the accompanying table when closing screw-capped containers. To each of the remaining 2 containers, designated controls, add a sufficient number of glass beads to attain a weight approximately equal to that of each of the test containers, and close, applying the torque designated in the accompanying table when closing screw-capped containers. Record the weight of the
Suitable 4- to 8-mesh, anhydrous calcium chloride is available commercially as Item JT1313-1 from VWR International. Consult the VWR International catalog for ordering information or call 1-800-234-9300.
1

Suggested Tightness Range with Manually Applied Torqueb (inch-pounds) 5 6 8 59 710 812 914 1018 1221 1323 1525 1726 1727 1930 2136 2340 2543 2645 2850

The torque designated for the next larger closure diameter is to be applied in testing containers having a closure diameter intermediate to the diameters listed. bA suitable apparatus is available from SecurePak, PO Box 1210, Maumee, Ohio 43537-8210. MRA Model with indicators on both the removal and application sides available in the following ranges: 1) 025 inch lbs., read in 1-inch lb. increments, 2) 050 inch lbs., read in 2-inch lb. increments, and 3) 0100 inch lbs., read in 5-inch lb. increments. For further detail regarding instructions, reference may be made to Standard Test Method for Application and Removal Torque of Threaded or Lug-Style Closures ASTM Method D3198-02, published by the American Society for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.

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Table 1. Torque Applicable to Screw-Type Container (Continued) Closure Diameter (mm) 83 86 89 100 110 120 132
a

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Suggested Tightness Range with Manually Applied Torqueb (inch-pounds) 3265 4065 4070 4570 4570 5595 6095

The torque designated for the next larger closure diameter is to be applied in testing containers having a closure diameter intermediate to the diameters listed. bA suitable apparatus is available from SecurePak, PO Box 1210, Maumee, Ohio 43537-8210. MRA Model with indicators on both the removal and application sides available in the following ranges: 1) 025 inch lbs., read in 1-inch lb. increments, 2) 050 inch lbs., read in 2-inch lb. increments, and 3) 0100 inch lbs., read in 5-inch lb. increments. For further detail regarding instructions, reference may be made to Standard Test Method for Application and Removal Torque of Threaded or Lug-Style Closures ASTM Method D3198-02, published by the American Society for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.

Multiple-Unit Containers for Capsules and Tablets (Without Closure)

Polyethylene ContainerFit the containers with impervious seals obtained by heat-sealing the bottles with an aluminum foilpolyethylene laminate or other suitable seal.2 Test the containers as specified under Multiple-Unit Containers for Capsules and Tablets: the high-density polyethylene containers so tested meet the requirements if the moisture permeability exceeds 10 mg per day per L in not more than 1 of the 10 test containers and exceeds 25 mg per day per L in none of them. The low-density polyethylene containers so tested meet the requirements if the moisture permeability exceeds 20 mg per day per L in not more than 1 of the 10 test containers and exceeds 30 mg per day per L in none of them. Polypropylene ContainersFit the containers with impervious seals obtained by heat-sealing the bottles with an aluminum foilpolyethylene laminate or other suitable seal. Test the containers as described under Multiple-Unit Containers for Capsules and Tablets. The containers meet the requirements if the moisture permeability exceeds 15 mg per day per L in not more than 1 of the 10 test containers and exceeds 25 mg per day per L in none of them.

DesiccantDry suitable desiccant pellets3 at 110 for 1 hour prior to use. Use pellets weighing approximately 400 mg each and having a diameter of approximately 8 mm. [NOTEIf necessary due to limited unit-dose container size, pellets weighing less than 400 mg each and having a diameter of less than 8 mm may be used.] Procedure Method ISeal not fewer than 10 unit-dose containers with 1 pellet in each, and seal 10 additional, empty unitdose containers to provide the controls, using finger cots or padded forceps to handle the sealed containers. Number the containers, and record the individual weights4 to the nearest mg. Weigh the controls as a unit, and divide the total weight by the number of controls to obtain the average. Store all of the containers at 75 3% relative humidity and at a temperature of 23 2. [NOTEA saturated system of 35 g of sodium chloride with each 100 mL of water placed in the bottom of a desiccator maintains the specified humidity. Other methods may be employed to maintain these conditions.] After a 24-hour interval, and at each multiple thereof (see Results), remove the containers from the chamber, and allow them to equilibrate for 15 to 60 minutes in the weighing area. Again record the weight of the individual containers and the combined controls in the same manner. [NOTEIf any indicating pellets turn pink during this procedure, or if the pellet weight increase exceeds 10%, terminate the test, and regard only earlier determinations as valid.] Return the containers to the humidity chamber. Calculate the rate of moisture permeation, in mg per day, of each container taken by the formula: (1/N)[(WF WI) (CF CI)] in which N is the number of days expired in the test period (beginning after the initial 24-hour equilibration period); (WF WI) is the difference, in mg, between the final and initial weights of each test container; and (CF CI) is the difference, in mg, between the average final and average initial weights of the controls, the data being calculated to two significant figures. [NOTEWhere the permeations measured are less than 5 mg per day, and where the controls are observed to reach equilibrium within 7 days, the individual permeations may be determined more accurately by using the 7-day test container and control container weights as WI and CI, respectively, in the calculation. In this case, a suitable test interval for Class A (see Results) would be not less than 28 days following the initial 7-day equilibration period (a total of 35 days).] Method IIUse this procedure for packs (e.g., punch-out cards) that incorporate a number of separately sealed unitdose containers or blisters. Seal a sufficient number of packs, such that not fewer than 4 packs and a total of not fewer than 10 unit-dose containers or blisters filled with 1 pellet in each unit are tested. Seal a corresponding number of empty packs, each pack containing the same number of unit-dose containers or blisters as used in the test packs, to provide the controls. Store all of the containers at 75 3% relative humidity and at a temperature of 23 2. [NOTEA saturated system of 35 g of sodium chloride with each 100 mL of water placed in the bottom of a desiccator maintains the specified humidity. Other methods may be employed to maintain these conditions.] After 24 hours, and at each multiple thereof (see Results), remove the packs from the chamber, and allow them to equilibrate for about 45 minutes. Record the weights of the individual packs, and return them to the chamber. Weigh the control packs as a unit, and
Suitable moisture-indicating desiccant pellets are available commercially from sources such as Medical Packaging, Inc., 470 Route 31, Ringoes, NJ 085511409 [Telephone 800-257-5282; in NJ, 609-466-8991; FAX 609-466-3775], as Indicating Desiccant Pellets, Item No. TK-1002. 4Accurate comparisons of Class A containers may require test periods in excess of 28 days if weighings are performed on a Class A prescription balance (see Prescription Balances and Volumetric Apparatus 1176). The use of an analytical balance on which weights can be recorded to 4 or 5 decimal places may permit more precise characterization between containers and/or shorter test periods.
3

Single-Unit Containers and Unit-Dose Containers for Capsules and Tablets

To permit an informed judgment regarding the suitability of the packaging for a particular type of product, the following procedure and classification scheme are provided for evaluating the moisture-permeation characteristics of singleunit and unit-dose containers. Inasmuch as equipment and operator performance may affect the moisture permeation of a container formed or closed, the moisture-permeation characteristics of the packaging system being utilized shall be determined.
A suitable laminate for sealing has, as the container layer, polyethylene of not less than 0.025 mm (0.001 inch) and a second layer of aluminum foil of not less than 0.018 mm (0.0007 inch), with additional layers of suitable backing materials. A suitable seal can be obtained also by using glass plates and a sealing wax consisting of 60% of refined amorphous wax and 40% of refined crystalline paraffin wax.
2

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divide the total weight by the number of control packs to obtain the average empty pack weight. [NOTEIf any indicating pellets turn pink during the procedure, or if the average pellet weight increase in any pack exceeds 10%, terminate the test, and regard only earlier determinations as valid.] Calculate the average rate of moisture permeation, in mg per day, for each unit-dose container or blister in each pack taken by the formula: (1/NX)[(WF WI) (CF CI)]

Physical Tests / 671 ContainersPerformance Testing 267

ity of 40 2%. After 336 1 hours (14 days), record the weight of the individual containers, and calculate the water weight loss rate, in percent per year, for each bottle taken by the formula: (W1i WT) (W14i WT) (WC1 WC14) 365 100/(W1i WT)14 = Percent per year in which W1i is the initial weight of each individual bottle (i); WT is the tare weight; W14i is the weight of each individual bottle (i) at 14 days; and (WC1 WC14) is the average weight change of the controls from initial to 14 days. The containers so tested meet the requirements and are tight containers if the percentage of water weight loss does not exceed 2.5% per year in not more than 1 of the 10 test containers and does not exceeds 5.0% per year in none of them.

in which N is the number of days expired in the test period (beginning after the initial 24-hour equilibration period); X is the number of separately sealed units per pack; (WF WI) is the difference, in mg, between the final and initial weights of each test pack; and (CF CI) is the difference, in mg, between the average final and average initial weights of the control packs, the rates being calculated to two significant figures. ResultsThe individual unit-dose containers as tested in Method I are designated Class A if not more than 1 of 10 containers tested exceeds 0.5 mg per day in moisture permeation rate and none exceeds 1 mg per day; they are designated Class B if not more than 1 of 10 containers tested exceeds 5 mg per day and none exceeds 10 mg per day; they are designated Class C if not more than 1 of 10 containers tested exceeds 20 mg per day and none exceeds 40 mg per day; and they are designated Class D if the containers tested meet none of the moisture permeation rate requirements. The packs as tested in Method II are designated Class A if no pack tested exceeds 0.5 mg per day in average blister moisture permeation rate; they are designated Class B if no pack tested exceeds 5 mg per day in average blister moisture permeation rate; they are designated Class C if no pack tested exceeds 20 mg per day in average blister moisture permeation rate; and they are designated Class D if the packs tested meet none of the above average blister moisture permeation rate requirements. With the use of the Desiccant described herein, as stated for Method I and Method II, after every 24 hours, the test and control containers or packs are weighed; and suitable test intervals for the final weighings, WF and CF, are as follows: 24 hours for Class D; 48 hours for Class C; 7 days for Class B; and not less than 28 days for Class A.

LIGHT TRANSMISSION TEST

Apparatus5Use a spectrophotometer of suitable sensitivity and accuracy, adapted for measuring the amount of light transmitted by either transparent or translucent glass or plastic materials used for pharmaceutical containers. In addition, the spectrophotometer is capable of measuring and recording light transmitted in diffused as well as parallel rays. ProcedureSelect sections to represent the average wall thickness. Cut circular sections from two or more areas of the container and trim them as necessary to give segments of a size convenient for mounting in the spectrophotometer. After cutting, wash and dry each specimen, taking care to avoid scratching the surfaces. If the specimen is too small to cover the opening in the specimen holder, mask the uncovered portion of the opening with opaque paper or masking tape, provided that the length of the specimen is greater than that of the slit in the spectrophotometer. Immediately before mounting in the specimen holder, wipe the specimen with lens tissue. Mount the specimen with the aid of a tacky wax, or by other convenient means, taking care to avoid leaving fingerprints or other marks on the surfaces through which light must pass. Place the section in the spectrophotometer with its cylindrical axis parallel to the plane of the slit and approximately centered with respect to the slit. When properly placed, the light beam is normal to the surface of the section and reflection losses are at a minimum. Continuously measure the transmittance of the section with reference to air in the spectral region of interest with a recording instrument or at intervals of about 20 nm with a manual instrument, in the region of 290 to 450 nm. LimitsThe observed light transmission does not exceed the limits given in Table 2 for containers intended for parenteral use.
Table 2. Limits for Plastic Classes IVI and Glass Types I, II, and III Maximum Percentage of Light Transmission at Any Wavelength between 290 and 450 nm Flame-sealed Closure-sealed Containers Containers 50 25 45 20 40 15

Multiple-Unit Containers and Unit-Dose Containers for Liquids

The standards and tests provided in this section measure the functional and performance characteristics of bottles used to package aqueous products by measuring the liquid water weight loss as a percent of the contents. This test can also be used to demonstrate performance or functional comparability. [NOTEThroughout the following procedure, determine the weights of individual containerclosure systems (bottle, innerseal if used, and closure) both as tare weights and fill weights, to the nearest 0.1 mg if the bottle capacity is less than 200 mL; to the nearest mg if the bottle capacity is 200 mL or more but less than 1000 mL; or to the nearest centigram (10 mg) if the bottle capacity is 1000 mL or more.] ProcedureSelect 12 bottles of a uniform size and type, and clean the sealing surfaces with a lint-free cloth. Fit each bottle with a seal, closure liner (if applicable), and closure. Number each containerclosure system, and record the tare weight. Remove the closures and, using a pipet, fill 10 bottles with water to the fill capacity. Fill 2 containers with glass beads to the same approximate weight of the filled test containers. If using screw closures, apply a torque that is within the range specified in Table 1, and store the sealed containers at a temperature of 25 2 and a relative humid-

Nominal Size (in mL) 1 2 5

5

For further detail regarding apparatus and procedures, reference may be made to the following publications of the American Society for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959: Standard Method of Test for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics, ASTM Method D1003-07; Tentative Method of Test for Luminous Reflectance, Transmittance and Color of SystemASTM Method E30806.

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268 671 ContainersPerformance Testing / Physical Tests

Table 2. Limits for Plastic Classes IVI and Glass Types I, II, and III (Continued) Maximum Percentage of Light Transmission at Any Wavelength between 290 and 450 nm Flame-sealed Closure-sealed Containers Containers 35 13 30 12 15 10

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Nominal Size (in mL) 10 20 50

[NOTEAny container of a size intermediate to those listed above exhibits a transmission not greater than that of the next larger size container listed in the table. For containers larger than 50 mL, the limits for 50 mL apply.] The observed light transmission for plastic containers for products intended for oral or topical administration does not exceed 10% at any wavelength in the range from 290 to 450 nm.

681 REPACKAGING INTO SINGLE-UNIT CONTAINERS AND UNIT-DOSE CONTAINERS FOR NONSTERILE SOLID AND LIQUID DOSAGE FORMS

device holding the unit-dose form does not allow for the removal or separation of the intact single-unit or unit-dose container therefrom. StorageStore the repackaged article in a humidity-controlled environment and at the temperature specified in the individual monograph or in the product labeling. Where no temperature or humidity is specified in the monograph or in the labeling of the product, controlled room temperature and a relative humidity corresponding to 60% are not to be exceeded during repackaging or storage. A refrigerator or freezer shall not be considered to be a humidity-controlled environment. Drugs that are to be stored at a cold temperature in a refrigerator or freezer must be protected during storage in the refrigerator or freezer. An outer container may be necessary for such protection; it is recommended that the drug monograph be referenced for storage. ReprocessingReprocessing of repackaged unit-dose containers (i.e., removing dosage unit from one unit-dose container and placing dosage unit into another unit-dose container) shall not be done. However, reprocessing of the secondary package (e.g., removing the blister card from the cardboard carrier and placing the blister card into another cardboard carrier) is allowed provided that the original expiration date is maintained.

CUSTOMIZED PATIENT MEDICATION PACKAGES

In lieu of dispensing two or more prescribed drug products in separate containers, a pharmacist may, with the consent of the patient, the patients caregiver, or a prescriber, provide a customized patient medication package (patient med pak).1 A patient med pak is a package prepared by a pharmacist for a specific patient comprising a series of containers and containing two or more prescribed solid oral dosage forms. The patient med pak is so designed or each container is so labeled as to indicate the day and time, or period of time, that the contents within each container are to be taken. It is the responsibility of the dispenser to instruct the patient or caregiver on the use of the patient med pak. LabelThe patient med pak shall bear a label stating: (1) the name of the patient; (2) a serial number for the patient med pak itself and a separate identifying serial number for each of the prescription orders for each of the drug products contained therein; (3) the name, strength, physical description or identification, and total quantity of each drug product contained therein; (4) the directions for use and cautionary statements, if any, contained in the prescription order for each drug product therein; (5) any storage instructions or cautionary statements required by the official compendia; (6) the name of the prescriber of each drug product; (7) the date of preparation of the patient med pak and the beyond-use date or period of time assigned to the patient med pak (such beyond-use date or period of time shall be not longer than the shortest recommended beyond-use date for any dosage form included therein or not longer than 60 days from the date of preparation of the patient med pak and shall not exceed the shortest expiration date on the original manufacturers bulk containers for the dosage forms included therein); alternatively, the package label shall state the date of the prescription(s) or the
It should be noted that there is no special exemption for patient med paks from the requirements of the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. Thus the patient med pak, if it does not meet child-resistant standards, shall be placed in an outer package that does comply, or the necessary consent of the purchaser or physician, to dispense in a container not intended to be childresistant, shall be obtained.
1

This chapter is intended to provide guidance to those engaged in pharmaceutical dispensing, not commercial repackaging. An official dosage form is required to bear on its label an expiration date assigned for the particular formulation and package of the article. This date limits the time during which the product may be dispensed or used. Because the expiration date stated on the original manufacturers containerclosure system has been determined for the drug in that particular system and is not intended to be applicable to the product where it has been repackaged in a different container, repackaged drugs dispensed pursuant to a prescription are exempt from using the expiration date from the original manufacturers package. However, under no circumstance should the repackaged pharmaceutical preparations expiration date exceed the original manufacturers expiration date. It is necessary, therefore, that other precautions be taken by the dispenser to preserve the strength, quality, and purity of drugs that are repackaged for ultimate distribution or sale to patients. The following guidelines and requirements are applicable where official dosage forms are repackaged into single-unit or unit-dose containers or mnemonic packs for dispensing pursuant to prescription. LabelingIt is the responsibility of the dispenser, taking into account the nature of the drug repackaged, any packaging and expiration dating information in the manufacturers product labeling, the characteristics of the containers, and the storage conditions to which the article may be subjected, to place a suitable expiration date on the label. Repackaged dosage forms must bear on their labels expiration dates as determined from information in the product labeling (see Preservation, Packaging, Storage, and Labeling section of the General Notices and Requirements). Each singleunit or unit-dose container bears a separate label, unless the

Official from May 1, 2011 Copyright (c) 2011 The United States Pharmacopeial Convention. All rights reserved.