Although many people store their medicines at home in a medicine cabinet, often these are located in the worst possible rooms in the house for the medicine itself - the kitchen or the bathroom. Understanding the nature of the medication itself and the environmental factors which can cause a drug to become either ineffective or even dangerous, are important to consider when looking for the best place to store medication at home.
Medicines Can Be Very Unstable
All pharmacy drugs are manufactured in a tightly controlled environment, and in a way which takes into account the chemical nature of each ingredient. The active drug itself is often naturally unstable, and the process of formulating it into a tablet, capsule or other form, ensures that the final product will remain not only effective but safe during its shelf life. In some cases, when the medicines chemical structure starts to change either by breaking down or by forming a new compound, the end product at best is inactive but at worst is actually toxic. This is why is is crucial that all medicines are stored properly.
Heat
Many manufactured drugs will start to break down in the presence of heat. For some, this will only happen at very high temperatures whereas for others even room temperature is enough to cause the medicine to start to change. Since both kitchens and bathrooms can become very warm, these are not the best places to keep medicines. For the same reason, if the bottle or packet calls for refrigeration, it is important that the medicine is stored in a box in the fridge.
Cold
Just as for heat, many drugs will "spoil" in cold temperatures. Fluctuating temperatures and the cold can cause tiny crystals to form in liquids, making the drug inactive or potentially resulting in a dangerous situation with drugs which are injected. This is one of the reasons why it is important not to let insulin get too cold and why, if flying, insulin should not be placed in the hold of the airplane.
Moisture
Many medicines will absorb moisture, even if they have a dessicant (which absorbs moisture) stored with them. Aspirin (acetylsalycilic acid) is the classic example of a medicine that breaks down with even low moisture levels, resulting in a valuable drug becoming inactive. The kitchen and bathroom are always very humid, so are far from ideal as a storage place.
Light
Many medicines are stored in amber bottles, and there is good reason for this. UV light can cause changes in the chemical structure of drugs and other ingredients in a medicine, and so it is always a good idea for extra security to store medicines in a cupboard, closet or cabinet which also blocks out the light
Expiry Date
The expiry date is important - under no circumstances should a medicine be used or taken after the expiry date. Manufacturers calculate this extremely carefully taking into account the nature of the drug, the preservatives which may have been used and the manner in which the drug should be stored.
Make it a regular part of the household routine to keep checking expiry dates of medicines. The same is true for medicines which should be discarded a certain length of time after opening. For example, eye drops should be discarded after 28 days, glyceryl trinitrate tablets after 8 weeks, so it's a good idea to write the date of opening on the bottle.
Tell Tale Signs Of "Spoiled" Medicines
Although it may not be clear to the eye, there are some signs that a medicine may no longer be effective, or may be potentially toxic. These include:
- creams or ointments which are discoloured or with a changed texture
- creams or ointments which have cracked or separated
- the smell has changed e.g. a strong vinegar smell from aspirin
- tablets are broken or chipped and have changed colour
Best Way To Store Medicines
Unless the label says otherwise, medicines should be stored in a cool, dark and dry place which has no temperature fluctuations. A closet or cabinet in a hallway or bedroom are certainly preferable to the bathroom or kitchen. If in doubt, consult your pharmacist - and always read the label.
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