The Proper Storage of Medications
Properly storing medicines ensures that they remain safe and effective. Most medications should be stored in dark, cool, dry locations. However, many people don't store medications properly. For example, many families keep medications in the bathroom cabinet, where humidity will quickly degrade the medicine. It's also important to keep medications in the original container and dispose of expired medications. Changing how you store medications may take some effort and planning, but it will help your family stay safe and healthy.
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Instructions
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Store your medicine in a dry, cool location, such as a dresser drawer or in a kitchen cabinet. For the best results, choose a location that does not receive direct sunlight or heat from a stove. If you have kids, store medications out of reach in a locked location.
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Keep medications in their original containers, even if there are only a few pills left. Don't combine containers of medication, because the expiration dates will no longer be accurate.
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Examine your medications for any that are expired, have unreadable labels or are crumbly, smelly or discolored. In addition, dispose of any medications your doctor told you to stop taking.
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Contact your pharmacy and ask whether your area has a drug take-back program. If not, dispose of medications by removing pills from their original bottles, mixing them with kitty litter or coffee grounds and sealing the mixture in a plastic bag or empty can. Throw the sealed bag or can away, and throw away the pill bottles separately.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have children, ask your pharmacist to use childproof containers when filling your medications.
Always read medication labels before storing them, because some drugs require refrigeration.
Never flush medicines, unless the label specifically instructs you to do so. Flushing medicines causes water pollution.
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References
- Photo Credit pill, pills image by laviniaparscuta from Fotolia.com
