Keep the medicines correctly

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Storing the tablets in the bathroom cabinet and the ointments in the refrigerator is common practice. But are we sure we are doing the right thing? The effectiveness of the drugs depends largely on their conservation. Find out what it is good to pay attention to keep them properly.

Almost everyone in their own home keeps medicines in a specific place, but few read the instructions on how to store them. How many degrees does the so-called "room temperature" match? What is the best place to store medicines and what happens if these are not stored correctly?

Watch out for the package

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The little packaging and the package insert are often given little attention, which is not good at all. In fact, generally on the packaging are useful indications for the conservation of the product. Get used to storing medicines in the original packaging to protect them from light, dirt and any damage. Finally remember to keep the package insert, which will allow you to consult at any time important information on the use of the medicine.

The correct temperature

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The right storage temperature is important to guarantee the quality of the medicine; the excessive heat, in particular, favors the chemical decomposition processes of the substances. Depending on the storage location indicated, the ideal temperatures are as follows:
• ambient temperature: 15-25 ° C
• in the refrigerator: 2-8 ° C
• in the freezer: -18 ° C or lower

The ideal place

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Because of the strong variations in humidity and temperature, the bathroom is not the ideal place to store medicines. Instead, choose a closed and odor-free cabinet, which guarantees an optimal shelter from light and humidity and maintains a constant temperature inside. For the medicines to be kept in the refrigerator, the vegetable drawer is the most suitable place because it does not undergo large temperature variations. Make sure that the medicines are out of the reach of children.

Periodic checks

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Regularly inspect the medicine cabinet and the travel pharmacy. Pay attention to the expiration date and dispose of the expired medicines. Even if you no longer have the original packaging with precise information, there are several clues that allow you to recognize if the medicine has expired, for example:
• crumbling and abnormal coloring in the tablets
• the turbid appearance of liquid medicines
• alterations of the smell
• abnormal coloring and liquefaction of creams and ointments

Proper Disposal

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Expired medicines in your home should be disposed of appropriately. If it is not possible to bring them back to the pharmacy, it is good to know about the disposal regulations in force in your place of residence. Medicines should never be thrown away in the trash or in the toilet.