In summer, our pills, ampoules, and ointments in the home medicine cabinet require special attention. After all, heat, high humidity, and direct sunlight can reduce the effectiveness of medications and even make them dangerous to use.
At the same time, the appearance of the packaging or the drug itself does not always indicate to a person that the medicine has been stored properly. That is why in summer it is important to follow the recommendations specified in the instructions, particularly regarding temperature, humidity, protection from light, and storage location.
How best to store medications during the abnormally hot summer for Ukrainians was investigated by UNN.
Why medications lose their properties in the heat
Most drugs have clearly defined storage conditions. For some, it is room temperature; for others, the refrigerator; for some, protection from light or moisture. When medications are exposed to the sun for a long time, in an overheated room, car, or beach bag, the active ingredient can break down or change. As a result, the drug works weaker, unstably, or becomes unusable.
Liquid forms of drugs, drops, syrups, ointments, creams, suppositories, injectable medications, hormonal and biological preparations can be especially vulnerable to heat. Tablets and capsules are also harmed by high temperature and humidity: they can damage the pill's coating or change the rate of absorption of the drug in the gastrointestinal tract.
Sharp temperature fluctuations are also dangerous for medications. For example, when the drugs first overheat in the car, and at home the owner puts them to store on the shelf on the refrigerator door. Such a solution does not always help. Therefore, if the drug has been stored improperly, it is better to consult a pharmacist or doctor about the possibility of using it safely in the future.
How to properly store medications at home in summer
The first rule is to read the instructions. It indicates at what temperature the drug should be stored: up to 25°C, up to 30°C, in the refrigerator, or in another mode. The phrase "store at room temperature" does not mean that the medicine can be left near a window, stove, or in a car. In summer, the temperature in such places quickly becomes much higher than permissible.
The optimal place for most home medications is a dry, dark cabinet in the room, where direct sunlight does not reach. Not the best option is the bathroom with constant steam, high humidity, and unstable temperatures. The kitchen is also not always suitable: a cabinet near the stove, oven, kettle, or sink can become a bad place for a home medicine cabinet.
It is advisable to store medications in their original packaging along with the instructions. Blisters, vials, and boxes protect the drug from light, moisture, and confusion. It is not worth pouring tablets into jars "for convenience": you can lose the name, dosage, expiration date, and information about storage conditions.
It is important to monitor the expiration date after the vial, blister, or tube has been opened. For drops, syrups, ointments, and some solutions, it may be shorter than the overall date on the packaging. If the drug has changed smell, color, consistency, has separated, become cloudy, or the packaging is damaged, it is better not to use it.
Which medications need to be stored in the refrigerator
Not all medications are stored in the refrigerator, only those for which this is directly indicated in the instructions. Usually, these are drugs that require a temperature of about 2 - 8°C. These may include insulins, certain vaccines, some eye drops, some antibiotics after suspension preparation, biological preparations, injectable agents, certain hormonal drugs, and some probiotics.
At the same time, the refrigerator is not a universal "savior" for the medicine cabinet. Some medications cannot be cooled or frozen, as this can also spoil the drug. If the instructions say "do not freeze," the drug should not be placed near the freezer compartment or on the back wall of the refrigerator.
It is better to keep medications in the refrigerator on a separate shelf or in a container, away from food and the door. The door is an unstable place: the temperature changes every time the refrigerator is opened. If medications need to be transported in summer, it is worth using a thermal bag or cooling container, but not placing the drug directly on ice.
Typical mistakes when storing medications in summer
The most common mistake is leaving medications in the car. Even if the car is in the shade, the interior heats up quickly.
The second mistake is carrying medications all day in a pocket or bag unnecessarily. If the drug is needed constantly, it is worth having a small amount in a protected package, while keeping the main supply at home. This especially applies to medications for the cardiovascular system, treatment of diabetes, allergies, asthma, and other conditions.
The third mistake is storing medications on a windowsill, near an air conditioner, stove, or in the bathroom.
Proper storage of medications in summer is part of safe treatment. It is worth reviewing the medicine cabinet at the beginning of the season: remove expired items, check the instructions, separate medications for the refrigerator, and move the rest to a dry, dark, and cool place.