Abstract: A pharmaceutical distribution container is provided having a sleeve and a tray. The tray has four walls, also known as sidewall portions, each preferably of a trapezoidal configuration. At least a portion of the thickness of each of the opposed first and third sidewall portions is greater than the thickness of each of the opposed second and fourth sidewall portions. The sleeve has a top surface, a bottom surface and two end surfaces, each preferably of a rectangular configuration. A pharmaceutical retaining means is provided, with this component secured between opposing portions of the sidewall of the tray in respective recessed portions. Additionally, the pharmaceutical retaining means is formed having a rod with two end caps, one of which is preferably fixed while the other is preferably removable.

Abstract: A method for assisting in the dispensing of pharmaceuticals is provided including the steps of: (1) determining what pharmaceutical needs to be restocked; (2) selecting a pharmaceutical distribution container corresponding to the pharmaceutical needing to be restocked, with the container including a tray and a sleeve. The tray has a base, a sidewall, and pharmaceutical retaining means within the tray, with such pharmaceutical retaining means including a rod, with the rod having a first and a second end and packets containing one each of the pharmaceutical needing to be restocked; (3) removing the tray from the sleeve; (4) removing the rod from the tray; and (5) transferring a predetermined number of packets from the rod to a restocking cart so the packets can be restocked.