Choosing the Right Pharmacy Packaging for Prescriptions and Medication 

Choosing the right pharmacy packaging is an important part of an efficient dispensing process. The packaging used will depend on factors such as the medication being supplied, its format and quantity, dispensing requirements and the pharmacy's operational processes.

Community pharmacies may therefore need access to a range of packaging products rather than relying on a single solution. 

From medicine bottles and jars to dispensing bags, cartons, pouches and boxes, understanding where different packaging options fit within the dispensing workflow can help pharmacy teams manage their supplies more effectively. 

What Is Pharmacy Packaging?

Pharmacy packaging refers to the bottles, containers, bags, cartons, pouches, boxes and other packaging products used to contain, organise or supply medicines and prescriptions.

The appropriate packaging will depend on what is being dispensed and the requirements of the pharmacy. 

For community pharmacies, packaging is also an everyday operational consideration. Frequently used packaging needs to be available in suitable formats and quantities so that the dispensing team can work efficiently without unnecessary interruptions.

Why Is Choosing the Right Prescription Packaging Important?

There is no single packaging format suitable for every prescription. 

Different medicines and dispensing situations can require different types or sizes of packaging. Selecting an appropriate solution helps pharmacy teams keep prescriptions organised and supports an efficient dispensing workflow. 

Pharmacies should consider: 

• The type and format of medication being dispensed 
• The quantity being supplied 
• Suitable container or packaging size 
• Compatibility with dispensing labels 
• Storage requirements 
• The pharmacy's dispensing processes 
• Collection or delivery requirements 
• Expected usage and stock availability

Considering these factors together can make packaging procurement more consistent and practical. 

What Types of Packaging Do Community Pharmacies Use? 

Community pharmacies can use several types of packaging during dispensing. The exact combination will vary according to the medicines supplied and the services offered by the pharmacy. 

Medicine Bottles and Jars

Medicine bottles and jars provide container options for medicines that require suitable dispensing packaging.

 

Because medication quantities can vary, pharmacies may need bottles and containers in several sizes and formats. 

Rather than simply stocking the widest possible selection, pharmacies can review historical usage to identify the sizes they use most frequently and maintain appropriate stock levels accordingly. 

Medicine containers should also be considered alongside the dispensing labels that will be applied to them. 

Pharmacy Dispensing Bags 

Dispensing bags are commonly used to keep completed prescriptions together for collection or delivery. 

For busy community pharmacies processing multiple prescriptions simultaneously, suitable bags can help keep completed orders organised as they move through the final stages of the dispensing workflow. 

Different prescription sizes may also require different packaging capacities.

Cartons and Boxes 

Cartons and boxes can provide additional packaging options where appropriate for the product or prescription being supplied. 

Pharmacies should select formats based on their actual dispensing requirements rather than treating all packaging products as interchangeable. 

Keeping commonly required sizes readily available can help reduce interruptions during busy dispensing periods. 

Pouches 

Pouches provide another packaging format that may be used within pharmacy dispensing and medication-management processes. 

As with other packaging products, the appropriate option will depend on the intended application and the pharmacy's existing workflow. 

MDS Packaging and Trays 

Pharmacies providing Monitored Dosage System services may also require MDS trays and associated consumables. 

Because MDS services often involve recurring requirements, pharmacies should consider expected patient demand and usage when planning stock. 

Reliable access to the required consumables can help teams manage recurring preparation more effectively. 

Bottles, Bags, Cartons or Pouches: Which Should a Pharmacy Choose?

The right pharmacy packaging depends primarily on the medication, prescription requirements and dispensing process rather than on one packaging format being universally better than another. 

A simple way to consider the options is: 

Packaging Type	Typical Role in Pharmacy Operations
Bottles & jars	Providing suitable containers for relevant medicines
Dispensing bags	Keeping completed prescriptions together for collection or delivery
Cartons & boxes	Providing additional packaging and organisation where required
Pouches	Supporting suitable dispensing or medication-management applications
MDS trays	Supporting pharmacies providing monitored dosage services

Pharmacy teams should always select products according to their specific requirements and applicable procedures. 

How Does Packaging Work with Pharmacy Dispensing Labels? 

Packaging and dispensing labels should not be considered completely separately.

 

Once medication has been prepared in suitable packaging, the appropriate dispensing label needs to be applied as part of the pharmacy's dispensing process. 

Pharmacies should therefore consider whether the packaging they purchase works practically with their existing labelling setup. 

This can include considerations such as: 

• Available surface area for the label 
• Label dimensions 
• Adhesive performance 
• Packaging size and shape 
• Existing PMR and printing workflow 

Looking at packaging and labels together can help pharmacies create a more consistent dispensing setup. 

What Should Pharmacies Consider When Buying Packaging Supplies?

When comparing pharmacy packaging supplies, purchasing decisions should go beyond unit price alone.

1. Suitability
   Start with the intended use. The packaging should be appropriate for the pharmacy's specific dispensing requirements. 

2. Size and Format 
   Review which sizes and formats are actually used by the pharmacy.
   Historical ordering and dispensing data can help identify frequently required options.

3. Label Compatibility 
   Consider how dispensing or PMR labels will work with the selected packaging. 

4. Usage Volume 
   High-volume packaging products may require larger or more frequent orders than products used occasionally. 
   Understanding consumption helps establish more appropriate purchasing quantities. 

5. Stock Availability 
   Running out of an everyday packaging item can interrupt normal dispensing activity.
   Frequently used products should therefore have sensible minimum stock and reorder levels.  

6. Supplier Reliability
   A pharmacy packaging supplier should be able to support the pharmacy's recurring requirements and provide access to the relevant range of products.
   Working with a supplier that understands community pharmacy can also make it easier to source packaging alongside other dispensing consumables.

How Can Pharmacies Manage Packaging Stock More Efficiently?

Efficient packaging stock management starts by identifying which products are operationally essential and how quickly they are consumed. 

Pharmacies can consider: 

1. Identifying their most frequently used packaging products. 
2. Recording typical weekly or monthly usage. 
3. Establishing minimum stock quantities. 
4. Setting reorder points for high-use products. 
5. Reviewing demand before particularly busy or seasonal periods. 
6. Monitoring whether certain sizes are regularly overstocked or understocked. 
7. Reviewing requirements when pharmacy services or dispensing volumes change. 

This approach can help reduce both unnecessary overstocking and avoidable shortages. 

Should Pharmacies Buy Packaging & Other Dispensing Supplies from the Same Supplier?

There can be operational advantages to sourcing several related dispensing products through a pharmacy-focused supplier. 

For example, a pharmacy may need packaging alongside: 

• Dispensing and PMR labels 
• MDS trays 
• Measures 
• Script baskets 
• Clinical consumables 
• Needles and syringes 
• Other everyday dispensing supplies 

Consolidating relevant requirements can simplify purchasing, although pharmacies should still assess individual products according to their operational needs. 

How Do You Choose a Pharmacy Packaging Supplier?

When choosing a pharmacy packaging supplier, consider the breadth of the product range, suitability for community pharmacy, product availability, reliability and the supplier's understanding of pharmacy dispensing requirements. 

The objective should not simply be to find packaging at the lowest price. 

For frequently used consumables, consistent access to suitable products can be equally important because shortages can affect day-to-day pharmacy operations. 

A supplier offering both packaging and complementary dispensing products may also help simplify procurement. 

Pharmacy Packaging and Dispensing Supplies from EMT Healthcare 

EMT Healthcare is an independent UK wholesaler supplying pharmacies and health and beauty retailers with products for dispensing, retail and healthcare operations. 

With more than 60 years of experience supporting pharmacies across the UK, EMT Healthcare supplies a broad dispensing range that includes bags, bottles and jars, cartons, pouches and boxes, labels, MDS trays, measures and other pharmacy consumables. 

For pharmacies looking to review their prescription packaging or consolidate their wider dispensing requirements, EMT Healthcare provides access to products across multiple areas of day-to-day pharmacy operations. 

Already an EMT Healthcare customer? Log in to access your account and view pricing. 

New to EMT Healthcare? Request an account to explore EMT's pharmacy dispensing and packaging range.