Amcor Rigid Plastics announces the launch of a new child-resistant (CR) closure for ophthalmic packaging. Amcor’s SecurePlus is a two-piece closure that was developed in response to new federal government regulations that require child-resistant closures for certain drug packaging.
SecurePlus is a 15-mm-diameter polypropylene (PP) closure that uses a push-and-turn system which can be opened by adults. It is used for squeezable linear low-density polyethylene (LDPE) eye drop containers ranging from 5 ml to 60 ml. SecurePlus replaces today’s single-piece PP closures, which are not child-resistant.
Amcor developed the injection molded child-resistant closure in response to a ruling from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) which requires child-resistant packaging for any over-the-counter or prescription product containing the equivalent of 0.08 mg or more of imidazoline in a single package. Imidazolines are a family of drugs (tetrahydrozoline, naphazoline, oxymetazoline, and xylometazoline) that are vasoconstrictors indicated for nasal congestion and/or ophthalmic irritation.
Products containing imidazolines can cause serious adverse reactions such as central nervous system depression, decreased heart rate, and depressed ventilation in children who accidentally ingest them. Based on the scientific data, the Commission has determined that availability of 0.08 mg or more of an imidazoline in a single package requires the use of special packaging to protect children under five years old from serious personal injury or illness due to handling or ingestion.
SecurePlus CR closures work on any 15-mm-diameter ophthalmic bottle. The development of the closure required a significant amount of design work so the closure could be produced economically while also meeting the protocol demands, according to Greg Rosati, marketing director for the Diversified Products Division of Amcor Rigid Plastics. “It was a challenge due to the closure’s small diameter,” explains Rosati. “Our design team underwent a few iterations to pass the protocols and also maximize productivity and functionality.”
