The stability of the internal environment of the medicinal moisture-proof bottle is crucial to the quality of the drug. To prevent moisture from affecting tablets, desiccants are usually placed in the package to control humidity. The moisture absorption rate of the desiccant is directly related to its effectiveness and service life. This article will discuss in detail the moisture absorption rate requirements of the desiccant and its impact on the stability of the drug.

50ml desiccant bottle with CRC

1. The role of desiccant

In the packaging of oral solid pharmaceutical high-density polyethylene moisture-proof combination bottle caps, the main function of the desiccant is to absorb moisture in the tube to prevent the tablets from being damaged by moisture. Commonly used desiccants include silica gel and molecular sieves, each of which has different moisture absorption characteristics and application advantages. In order to ensure the stability of drugs during storage and transportation, it is crucial to select a suitable desiccant and meet relevant standards.

2. Silica gel desiccant

1. Performance characteristics

The main component of silica gel desiccant is highly active silica gel, and its moisture absorption capacity can reach 40% of its own weight. As the only desiccant certified by the US FDA, silica gel desiccant can safely come into direct contact with drugs and food. Silica gel can effectively control moisture in long-term use and keep the internal environment of the package dry, thereby protecting the quality of the drug.

2. Moisture absorption rate requirements

In the application of medicinal moisture-proof bottles, the saturated moisture absorption rate of silica gel desiccant is required to be no less than 30%. In addition, in terms of short-term moisture absorption rate, the requirement for silica gel is no less than 3%. These standards ensure that silica gel desiccant can effectively absorb moisture during use and maintain the stability of the internal environment.

III. Molecular sieve desiccant

1. Performance characteristics

In addition to being able to absorb moisture, molecular sieve desiccant can also absorb other gases, and it can also effectively accommodate water molecules at high temperatures (above 230°C). The hygroscopic properties of molecular sieves enable them to quickly absorb moisture in a short period of time, which is suitable for packaging needs that require rapid control of humidity.

2. Moisture absorption rate requirements

According to the standard, the saturated moisture absorption rate of molecular sieve desiccant should be no less than 19%, and the short-term moisture absorption rate should be no less than 4.5%. These requirements ensure that molecular sieves can quickly reduce the humidity inside the package in a short period of time and provide reliable protection for drugs.

desiccant bottle with silica gel

IV. Mixing advantages

In practical applications, the desiccant for medicinal moisture-proof bottles is usually an equal proportion of silica gel and molecular sieve. This mixture has the advantages of both, with silica gel providing long-term stable moisture absorption capacity and molecular sieves able to quickly respond to short-term humidity changes.

Moisture absorption rate requirements

According to the YBB standard, the moisture content of the desiccant mixture should be less than 4.8%. In terms of saturated moisture absorption rate, the mixture is required to be no less than 24%. For short-term moisture absorption rate, the mixture is required to be no less than 3.5%. These standards ensure that the desiccant mixture can effectively control the humidity in the pharmaceutical moisture-proof bottle in actual use, thereby protecting the stability and effectiveness of the drug.

Desiccant in pharmaceutical moisture-proof bottles is crucial to the stability of tablets and capsules. Ensuring that the moisture absorption rate of the desiccant meets the YBB standard not only helps maintain the quality of the drug, but also increases consumer confidence in the product. When selecting packaging and desiccant, pharmaceutical companies should fully consider the performance requirements of the desiccant to ensure the stability of the drug throughout the supply chain.