Storing Medication

Medications can break down if not stored properly. Medications also affect body function and can be harmful if not taken properly or if taken by someone other than the person for whom they were prescribed. There are three important factors which must be met when storing medication: environmental conditions, security/access, and convenience.

Medications are chemicals. Like all chemicals they may undergo chemical reactions or breakdown thus deactivating the drug. Conditions which promote chemical decomposition of most drugs include heat, moisture, light, air and time. How much each of these factors affects a medication depends on the specific chemical. Therefore, most medications should be stored in a cool (room temperature), dry, and dark place, unless otherwise directed. The bathroom medicine cabinet is the worst place to store medication as it tends to be the moistest and warmest place in the house. The kitchen is likewise not an ideal  storage place as it is also quite warm and moist.

The storage temperature of medication is a common issue. Store medications at room temperature (defined as 59°F to 86°F), although this varies with each medication. Medications requiring storage in the refrigerator should generally be kept at a temperature between 36ºF to 46ºF to maintain their potency.

Refrigerate only those medications that have this instruction. Refrigerating other medications could cause them to lose effectiveness because of low temperatures and high humidity. In general, freezing should be avoided, although there are exceptions.

“Dry” usually means avoiding moist, damp places such as bathrooms or near dishwashers. Medication containers are made of watertight material.  Medication containers should be closed tightly after each use, especially during hot, humid weather.

"Light" can also deactivate some medications. Medication containers are usually opaque to prevent light from coming into contact with the medication.

"Air" contains oxygen. Oxidation is a chemical reaction which can inactivate some medications. Keeping the container closed tightly limits the exposure of the medication to oxygen.

Controlling exposure to heat, moisture, light and air can extend the life of medication, but chemicals eventually break down over time just as food spoils or bread molds. Medications have an expiration date. After this date, a new medication should be obtained.

If a medication requires special storage, your pharmacist should inform you of this and there will be instructions regarding special storage on the pharmacy label. Otherwise, the following guidelines should be followed:

Keep all medications out of harm’s way. Medications should be locked away from the consumer’s and others who are not responsible.

Store medications in their original containers.   

Medication should be kept dry and cool. Store away from heat and  direct sunlight.

Do not let liquid medications freeze.

Destroy all unused or outdated medications. PROPERLY.

Always keep the lid on the medication container tightly closed.

Never mix different medications together in one container.   



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