Excellent!
Here is the complete and clear English translation of the "Packaging Materials" topic,
specifically tailored with the important points for your MRB and ESIC exams based on the
ER-2020 syllabus:
1. Glass Containers (Highly Important)
Glass is fundamentally composed of silicon dioxide (sand) combined with other chemicals. In
pharmacy, there are 4 types of glass used. You can definitely expect a question from this area:
Glass Type Name Application (MRB Exam Point)
Type I Borosilicate Glass Highest quality. Highly
resistant. Used for all types of
Parenterals (injections), and
strongly acidic/alkaline
preparations.
Type II Treated Soda-lime Glass Surface-treated glass
(de-alkalized). Used only for
buffered aqueous injections
with a pH of less than 7.
Type III Regular Soda-lime Glass Used for dry powders for
injection and oleaginous (oily)
injections.
Type IV General Purpose NP Glass NP means Non-Parenteral.
Cannot be used for injections.
Used only for oral and topical
preparations (Tablets, Syrups,
Ointments).
Quality Control Tests for Glass
Remember the distinct differences between these two tests:
1. Powdered Glass Test:
○ This test measures the alkali leached from the crushed/powdered glass.
○ Which types? It is used to evaluate Type I, Type III, and Type IV glasses.
2. Water Attack Test (MCQ Point):
○ This test measures the alkali leached from the intact inner surface of the glass
container. (The inner surface is treated with SO2 gas to neutralize alkalinity).
○ Which types? This test is exclusively used for Type II (Treated Soda-lime glass).
2. Plastics
There are two main categories of plastics:
● Thermoplastics: Soften on heating and can be remolded. (e.g., Polyethylene, PVC).
● Thermosetting plastics: Become hard and rigid upon heating; cannot be remolded and
will char if reheated. (e.g., Phenol formaldehyde, Bakelite).
Disadvantages of Plastic Packaging:
● Leaching: Ingredients from the plastic container migrate into the drug preparation.
● Sorption: The plastic container absorbs active ingredients or preservatives from the drug
preparation.
● Permeability: Moisture or oxygen from the environment permeates through the plastic
into the drug.
Important MCQ Points:
● Which plastic is used for Eye Drop containers (squeeze bottles)? - LDPE (Low-Density
Polyethylene).
● Which plastic is used for making Blister packs for tablets? - PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride).
3. Rubber Closures
Rubber is primarily used as closures (stoppers) for multi-dose vials and IV fluid bottles.
● Best types: Butyl rubber and Silicone rubber.
● Coring (Highly Important MCQ): When a hollow needle is pierced through a rubber
closure, it may cut a small piece of the rubber, which then falls into the medication. This
defect is known as 'Coring'.
4. Metals & Strip / Blister Packaging
● Aluminum: Widely used to make 'Collapsible tubes' for ointments, creams, and pastes
because it is lightweight, impermeable, and unreactive.
● Aerosol Containers: Because they must withstand high internal pressure, aerosol
containers are made of Tin-plated steel or Aluminum.
Strip Packing vs. Blister Packing (Differences):
● Strip Packing: The tablet or capsule is hermetically sealed between two layers of
aluminum foil or polyethylene. The exact shape of the tablet cannot be seen from the
outside.
● Blister Packing: A cavity (blister) is formed in a base material (like PVC plastic) to match
the shape of the tablet, and a lidding material (like aluminum foil) is sealed over it. The
tablet is visible through the clear plastic. (e.g., standard Paracetamol strips).
To score well in the MRB exam, make sure you memorize the Glass Types table (I, II, III, IV) and
clearly understand that the Water Attack Test is specifically for Type II glass.