Compliance is improved and incorrect ingestion of medicine reduced when medicine is provided in one dose packages. However, hygroscopic medicines are not suitable for one-dose packages because they absorb moisture, which degrades their quality. Glucobay^® tablets are highly hygroscopic. In this study, we examined appropriate preservation methods to maintain the quality of Glucobay^® tablets after dispensing one-dose packages. Preservation methods were classified into four groups: naked medicine, one-dose package, one-doge package in a polyethylene bag, and one-doge package in a polyethylene bag with a desiccating agent. These four groups were analyzed for weight, hardness, and visual inspection after the packages were stored under room humidity or high-humidity conditions (75～80％RH) at room temperature. Preservation of the one-dose package in a polyethylene bag with a desiccating agent maintained the quality of Glucobay^® tablets. Although the effect of preservation by the polyethylene bag was weak compared with that using a desiccating agent, the quality of medicine was better than that with the one-dose package alone. We further evaluated whether the moisture absorption during dispensation of the one-doge package affects the stability of the medicine. The moisture absorption during one-dose package dispensation decreased the hardness of the medicine even when stored in a polyethylene bag with a desiccating agent.

In conclusion, we revealed that patients need to use a polyethylene bag and/or a desiccating agent to maintain the quality of highly hygroscopic medicines in one-dose packages. In addition, pharmacists must carefully dispense medicines in one-dose packages to prevent moisture absorption.