Also, be sure to carry a copy of the prescription, so it’s easy for identification in case of an emergency. Store any medications in the original package or label to avoid confusion. Make sure you’re carrying your medications in the appropriate storage conditions including the temperature wherever possible. It’s not just about packing medications along with your clothes. Traveling is a part of life, but it’s important to make sure your medications travel safely with you. So, it’s very important to double-check the storage requirements with your pharmacist if you’re not clear on the packaging guidelines.Īpart from the recommendations discussed above, it’s a good rule, in general, to always read the label and packaging thoroughly when you need to figure out the best storage for your medication. Some liquids should be refrigerated like Cephalexin, while some should be stored at room temperature like Azithromycin and some others may have different expiration dates depending on which option is chosen – like Amoxicillin.
One good example is Cetirizine oral solution that contains parabens as preservatives.Ĭhildren’s liquid medications significantly vary in the recommended storage conditions. So, unless specified by the manufacturer or the pharmacists, never refrigerate medications that contain preservatives. So, when refrigerating these medications, the effectiveness is cut down. This is because the effectiveness of the preservatives increases with the temperature. When the meds include preservatives, it’s not recommended to store them in the fridge. But when refrigerating make sure that meds are stored in an area within the fridge that can maintain a consistent temperature. So, the growth of these micro-organisms is inhibited by refrigerating.Įspecially liquid medications without preservatives – they should be refrigerated at all times. Liquid formulations such as syrups and suspensions can support the growth of micro-organisms.
Obviously, to chill the temperature you’ll need it to be kept in a cool place, whereas refrigerating and freezing clearly require a refrigerator.Īs a general rule, most of the liquid medications are recommended to be stored in the fridge.
Such medications can be stored in a dresser drawer, a storage box, a closet, or even a shelf. Like I said the majority of the medications are recommended to be stored at room temperature. Medication Package Storing Guidelinesĭepending on the temperature recommended you can use an appropriate place that fits the temperature range. The table below is a good quick reference guide. Room temperature specifies the temperature range between 59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, cool temperature between 46 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit, refrigeration temperature between 35.6 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit, and freezing temperature means -13 to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. If your medication has already frozen and shouldn’t be, then check our guide on medication that has frozen. Usually, the packages will specify the storage as to be stored at room temperature, cool temperature, refrigeration or freezing. Read the medication cover for storing temperatures or check with your pharmacist about it. This is the first thing that will help you store your medication in an accurate place. The main information you need for storing medication is the recommended storing temperature. Now with that being said, let’s take a look at a guide on storing medications. Inappropriate storage can turn medications harmful if ingested. This is because the potency and the overall effectiveness of your medications depend on appropriate storage. As a common rule, medications should be stored away from heat, air, light, and moisture.Īpart from the storage place, climatic conditions should also be considered when storing. The majority of medications are recommended to be stored at room temperature, between 59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. What is proper medication storage? Every medication has its own recommended storage condition from room temperature, to refrigerating, to freezing. We’ll go over what you need to do to store them effectively. Prescription drugs come in many forms with different guidelines. Medication Storage, Where, How, Temperatures, Types, and Guidelines Posted Octoby Michael Chamberlain - See Editorial Guidelinesĭo you ever wonder what the best way to store that vital medication you need is? In this blog we are going to offer some crucial guidelines to follow in order to ensure proper medication storage.