United Closures and Plastics (UCP) of Norwich is completing an investment in its PP28mm Medi-Loc capacity to meet the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) voluntary code to extend the use of child-resistant packaging to all over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in liquid preparations.
The voluntary code comes into practice in September 2010 for all relevant products (including adult formulations) containing at least one of the following ingredients: brompheniramine, chlorphenamine, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, promethazine and triprolidine (antihistamines); dextromethorphan and pholcodine (antitussives); guaifenesin and ipecacuanha (expectorants); and phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine, ephedrine (decongestants).
Topical preparations including nasal sprays and drops and throat sprays are excluded from the advice.
This move follows regulations, which came into force in October 2005, requiring the use of child-resistant packaging for liquid pharmaceutical products containing paracetamol, aspirin and specified vitamins.
UCP's PP28mm Medi-Loc child resistant closure for UK liquid pharmaceuticals has also been tested in the 60-80 age range, achieving a 100% pass rate.