Tablets depend on proper storage to last long. These several factors that contribute to shelf life of a tablet once out of their blister pack. In this article, we would look at major factors that affect the shelf life of tablets and how you can preserve them for long.
How Long Tablets Can Last Out of Blister Pack
Once you take out tablets from the blister pack, they don’t get protection from light, air and moisture. This speeds up the degradation process. Once this happens, they can only last between some days to several weeks; however, this is dependent on the storage measures in place.
However, their shelf life, safety, and potency will experience a slight decrease when taken out of the proper packaging. Therefore make sure you use the drugs promptly, and obey the storage guidelines.
Factors Influencing Degradation of Tablets Out of Blister Pack
Once you remove your tablets from their blister packs, you expose them to different environmental elements that can cause them to degrade. That is why blister packs are available to protect your tablets from these elements while extending their shelf life.
Light Sensitivity
Medications contain different components, of which some are sensitive to light. When you expose these tablets to light, their molecular structure may change. Exposure to light causes a chemical reaction that interacts with the quality of your tablet. This can even cause harmful byproducts in some tablets. For instance, some antihypertensive and antibiotics drugs can easily degrade when you expose them to sunlight or UV rays.
In addition, if you leave your tablets in transparent containers or in a well-lit area, they may lose their potency. Prolonged exposure to indoor lighting can also have an effect on your medication. It is advisable you use opaque containers to store your medications. Better still, don’t remove your tablets from their blister packs until you are ready to consume them. Always store your light-sensitive tablets in an airtight container once you remove them from their blister pack.
Exposure to Moisture
Your tablets can begin to crumble or degrade if you store them in humid containers or areas. A good number of tablets have the ability to absorb moisture from the air. When you expose such tablets to moisture, it can affect their chemical composition.
Also, moisture can make active ingredients in your tablets to start breaking down into inactive compounds. This is a big problem for medications that have amides or esters in them.
Sometimes, you may notice physical changes like softening or swelling in your tablet. This defect may affect how the body absorbs the tablet. You shouldn’t not leave your drugs in humid areas like kitchens or bathrooms.
In some cases, you may add silica gel desiccants where you store your tablets. These packs will absorb moisture and prevent your tablets from degrading. However, you shouldn’t use these packs as a substitute for your blister packs.
Wrong Storage
Even if you have to remove your tablets from their packs, you can get a pill organizer for proper storage. Store this organizer in opaque containers with a tight seal to reduce exposure to light and air. Then keep the container in a cool, dry place like your cabinet or drawer. Ensure you keep it away from areas that have exposure to heat and moisture like bathrooms and windows. You can also add a silica gel desiccant pack in the container to keep moisture away and extend the shelf life of your tablets.
Fluctuating Temperature
Changes in temperature can make your tablets degrade quickly, especially when they experience heating and cooling repeatedly. When the temperature is too high, your tablet may experience chemical reactions which could break down the active ingredients in them. On the other hand, cold temperatures can expose your tablets to moisture.
Temperature changes are a major concern in areas with no climate control like vehicles. You can expose your medications to harmful temperature changes if you keep medications in pill organizers in your pockets or bags.
Ensure you store your tablets in environments with stable temperature within the range of 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F). This will help you preserve the quality of your tablets when removed from their blister packs.
Expiration Date
One thing you should understand is that the expiration dates you see on packaging are usually based on stability tests carried out while the tablets are in their original blister pack. The moment you remove the tablet from its original blister pack, the expiration date becomes less effective. The removal of the blister pack means the tablet could become less effective
Why Blister Packs Extend Tablet Shelf Life
The main function of blister packs is to protect your tablets from environmental elements like light, oxygen, and moisture. This helps to preserve the quality and potency of your tablets. Blister packs ensure a protective barrier around every tablet and also extend its shelf life.
One of the benefits of using blister packs for tablets is that it reduces the rate of moisture absorption. Moisture can cause chemical reactions to your tablets, especially the moisture-sensitive ones. It could also make tablets crumble or soften with time, thereby reducing the potency of your tablet. Blister packs offer airtight seals, which prevent moisture from getting in. This helps to keep your tablets in good condition for a long period.
Another benefit of blister packs is that they protect your tablets from light, particularly UV rays which can cause degradation. This is crucial for your vitamins and antibiotics drugs. Such tablets easily degrade if you expose them to direct light.
Blister packs protect your tablets from oxygen i.e. air. If you expose your medications to air, they may oxidize over time. This will reduce their quality and cause unwanted byproducts in them. Blister packs have sealed compartments for each of your tablets, limiting their exposure to air.
Blister packs protect your tablets from cross-contamination, especially during handling. Each tablet has its own protective compartment, which preserves its quality for a long time. Your drugs stay potent when you consume them.
Conclusion
Pharmaceutical companies store medications in blister packs to protect them from damages caused by moisture, air, and light. Also, these blister packs prevent drugs from crumbling and cross-contamination during handling. In the long run, these packs extend the shelf life of your tablets.
FAQs
How do you know your tablets have degraded when they are outside their blister packs?
Your tablets start degrading once you notice a change in their color, shape, texture, and even odor. All these signs mean that your tablets have lost their potency. If your tablets start crumbling, you should avoid consuming them.
Do tablets lose their potency faster outside their blister packs?
Yes, your tablets will lose their quality faster if you remove them from their blister packs. These tablets will have more exposure to environmental elements. These elements always reduce the shelf life of your tablets.
What are the advantages of storing tablets in blister packs?
Blister packs are like a shield that protects your tablets from the environmental elements like air, moisture, light, etc. These packs preserve the quality of your tablets until it is time for them to expire. Also, they help you maintain accurate dosing.
Do blister packs maintain your tablets’ shelf life?
Yes, the main function of blister packs is to extend the shelf life of your tablet. Once your tablets are in these packs, they get protection against oxygen, moisture, and light. This helps them remain potent until their expiration date.
