Pop Top Vials — Wholesale for Pharmacies and Dispensaries
Pop top vials are the most widely used child-resistant container in pharmacy dispensing and cannabis retail. The push-down-and-turn mechanism meets CPSC 16 CFR 1700.15 child-resistance standards and is the standard CR format used across independent pharmacies, chain pharmacies, and licensed cannabis dispensaries.
We stock Philips Rx pop top vials in clear and amber from 13 to 120 dram, sold by the case from Jersey City, NJ. Philips Rx vials are Script-Pro compatible — they run through automated dispensing machines without adjustment.
For regulatory requirements and labeling standards, refer to our full pharmaceutical packaging compliance guide.
Pop top vials are child-resistant plastic containers that open with a push-down-and-turn mechanism. They meet CPSC 16 CFR 1700.15 child-resistance standards and are the most widely used vial format in retail pharmacy dispensing and licensed cannabis dispensaries. The push-down-and-turn design requires simultaneous downward pressure and rotation to open — a combination that children under five cannot typically perform.
Available Sizes
|
Dram Size |
Volume |
Common Use |
Case Qty |
|
13 dram |
~48ml |
30-count fills, standard short-fill prescriptions |
1,000/case |
|
16 dram |
~59ml |
30-day tablet supply — most common pharmacy vial size |
1,000/case |
|
19 dram |
~70ml |
Larger tablet fills, standard cannabis dispensary vial |
1,000/case |
|
20 dram |
~74ml |
90-day supply for smaller tablets, capsule fills |
1,000/case |
|
30 dram |
~111ml |
90-day standard tablets, amber for light-sensitive meds |
1,000/case |
|
40 dram |
~148ml |
High-volume dispensing, cannabis eighths (3.5g) |
1,000/case |
|
60 dram |
~222ml |
Large-format dispensing, cannabis quarters (7g) |
500/case |
|
120 dram |
~444ml |
Bulk cannabis dispensing, very high tablet counts |
250/case |
Who Uses Pop Top Vials
Pop top vials are used by independent retail pharmacies, chain pharmacy chains, hospital outpatient pharmacies, and licensed cannabis dispensaries. In pharmacy settings, they are the standard child-resistant dispensing container for solid oral medications. In cannabis retail, pop tops are the dominant vial format for pre-packaged flower, as they are child-resistant, tamper-evident, and available in opaque colors that conceal contents.
Child-Resistance Compliance
All pop top vials sold by Brigade Packaging meet CPSC 16 CFR 1700.15 child-resistance standards, as required by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA) for most oral prescription medications and OTC drugs. Child-resistant packaging must pass testing with a panel of children aged 42–51 months (pass rate ≤15%) and senior adults aged 50–70 (pass rate ≥70%). Pop top vials satisfy these requirements through the simultaneous push-down-and-turn mechanism. Cannabis dispensaries in most regulated states are independently required to use CPSC-compliant CR packaging for all customer-facing product.
Clear vs Amber
Clear vials are standard for most pharmacy dispensing — they allow visual confirmation of tablet count and product color. Amber vials block UV light in the 290–450nm range. For light-sensitive medications — tetracyclines, riboflavin, certain cardiac drugs — amber is required by dispensing protocol, not optional.
Colored Pop Top Vials — Pharmacy Color-Coding
Institutional pharmacies use color-coded vials to reduce dispensing errors. We stock translucent colored pop top vials in green, blue, pink, and orange alongside standard clear and amber. Contact us to confirm specific color and dram size availability.
Script-Pro Compatibility
Philips Rx pop top vials fit Script-Pro automated dispensing machines without modification. If your pharmacy runs a different automated system (Parata, TCGRx, RxMedic), contact us with your system model and we will confirm compatibility before you order.
For automated pharmacy workflows, explore our Philips Rx pop top vials — Script-Pro compatible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "dram" mean in pharmacy vials?
A dram is a unit of volume used in pharmaceutical dispensing, where 1 dram equals approximately 3.7ml. Vial sizes are expressed in drams to indicate how much medication the container can hold. Pharmacies use dram sizing to match the vial to the pill count, tablet size, and labeling requirements of a prescription fill.
What is the difference between a pop top vial and a reversible cap vial?
A pop top vial opens with a push-down-and-turn mechanism and is child-resistant only. A reversible cap vial has two modes — one side is child-resistant, while the other side is easy-open with no push-down required. Reversible cap vials are commonly used for patients who need easier access.
What vial is easiest for patients to open?
Reversible cap vials provide an easy-open mode for patients who struggle with child-resistant closures. For patients with very limited hand strength, thumb-tab reversible cap vials use a side-tab lift that requires no downward pressure, making them easier to open while still supporting compliant dispensing workflows.
How do I know which dram size to order for my prescriptions?
The correct dram size depends on the tablet count, tablet size, and space required for prescription labeling. Smaller fills often use 13 dram vials, while larger fills and bigger capsules may require 20, 30, or 40 dram sizes. Bottle size charts help pharmacies standardize dispensing by pill count and medication dimensions.
What child-resistance standard do pop top vials meet?
Pop top vials meet CPSC 16 CFR 1700.15 standards under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA). The push-down-and-turn mechanism is designed to prevent access by young children while remaining usable for adults.
Are pop top vials recyclable?
Most pop top vials are manufactured from polypropylene (PP #5) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE #4), both technically recyclable plastics. Recycling availability depends on local municipal recycling programs.
What is the difference between translucent and opaque pop top vials?
Translucent vials allow visibility of the contents without opening the container, while opaque vials block light transmission and conceal the contents. Amber translucent vials are commonly used for light-sensitive medications because they help filter UV light.
What sizes are pop top vials available in?
Pop top vials are commonly available in 13, 16, 19, 20, 30, 40, 60, and 120 dram sizes. Most sizes are stocked in clear and amber, with select translucent and opaque color options also available.
Can pop top vials be used for cannabis dispensing?
Yes. Pop top vials are widely used in licensed cannabis dispensaries because they meet child-resistant packaging standards required in most regulated cannabis markets.
What is PHILIPS RX®?
PHILIPS RX® is a line of pharmacy pop top vials known for dimensional consistency and compatibility with automated dispensing systems. Philips Rx vials are commonly used in institutional pharmacy environments and are available in multiple dram sizes and colors.
What does Script-Pro compatible mean?
Script-Pro compatible means the vials fit Script-Pro automated filling, counting, and capping systems without requiring modifications.
What is the minimum order quantity?
Standard case quantities are typically 1,000 units per case for dram sizes up to 40 dram. Larger dram sizes are generally sold in smaller case quantities.
Do you stock amber pop top vials in all dram sizes?
Yes. Amber pop top vials are available from 13 dram through 120 dram sizes.
Do you stock colored pop top vials for pharmacy color-coding systems?
Yes. Colored translucent pop top vials such as green, blue, pink, and orange are available for pharmacy color-coding and dispensing workflows.
Also Consider
For added safety, consider push-and-turn vials for added child-resistance.
You may also need graduated oval Rx bottles for liquid prescription dispensing.