The Poppitt © ‘Pill Popping’ Device.
Operating Instructions
Initial set-up.
Insert Drawer
Connect power lead to device.
Plug power pack into convenient mains socket.
Switch on power. Indicator light illuminated when on.
Switch on device. Light within illuminated when on.
When not in use switch both device and power off at mains.
Operation.
To ‘pop’ tablets/capsules (referred throughout as a ‘pill’)…
Place blister on front plate with one ‘pill’ within the ‘v’ push switch.
Hold blister pack firmly and push blister packaging into ‘v’ to operate the ‘push micro-switch’ within the device. When in correct position the ‘push rod’ will come down swiftly and push ‘pill’ from its blister into the body of device.
Retrieve empty blister from ’v’ and repeat for next new ‘pill’ until requisite number of ‘pill/pills’ are removed.
It is a very simple technique – a simple ‘jab’ will enable device towork quite quickly.
Remove drawer to dispense loose ‘pills’ into appropriate ‘MDS’ this may be undertaken with a simple wooden spatula. It is suggested that dispensing technicians initially practise the technique by utilising ‘out of date’ stock.
Variation in blister packaging.
Some blister packaging has more than two rows of tablets/capsules. They can be simply cut with a pair of scissors to enable middle row/rows to be ‘popped’.
Care Please.
Other factors. The following also applies to ‘hand removal’ and therefore dispensers will be fully aware of these already.
Breakages.
Applies to heavily scored tablets e.g. Sinemet plus Some brands of tablets are very thin and ‘soft’ e.g. Warfarin, Frusemide, and Thyroid. [Brands vary].
Sticking pills.
Many Parallel Imports (PI’s) have sticky labels attached to the underside by the importers. They are not always carefully positioned and prevent ‘pills’ from being ejected easily.
Tablets are being enclosed in blister packaging under the requirements of European legislation. Unfortunately the compression strength of the enclosed tablets can, in some cases, be weaker than the tensile breaking strength of the foil packaging! Apparently, the manufacturers have no choice in the matter! This explains why tablets may break when even carefully opened by hand! This state of affairs, whilst not satisfactory, is the reality of the situation!!
