How To Keep Essential Medicines At Home?

Keeping necessary medicines at home is a good idea.However,many people store them in the house without any care.All medicines are manufactured in a tightly controlled environment,and in a way which takes into account the chemical nature of ingredients used.The active drug itself is often naturally unstable.Note that environmental factors and the inherent property of the medicines itself may cause a drug to become either ineffective or even dangerous.So great attention should be given when considering the best location to store the medicines at home.

Unless the label indicates otherwise, all medicines should be keep in a clean and dry area which has no temperature fluctuations.Many medicines will absorb moisture and breaks down with low moisture levels even if they have a dessicant stored with them.Many drugs will ruin in extreme cold temperature levels.In many cases, fluctuation of the cold level can cause tiny crystal materials to form in liquids.Light may cause changes in the chemical structure of drugs and other ingredients.So take extra security to store medicines packed in colored (amber) bottles.It is always a good idea to pack these type of medicines in a suitable container which also blocks out the external light.Most of the drugs will start to break down at very high temperatures, resulting in a valuable drug becoming inactive.If the medicine pack calls for refrigeration, it is important to keep it securely in the fridge.

Never use any medicine after the expiry date shown in its label.Expired medicines should be disposed at the right timen to prevent dangers.This also applies to creams or ointments which are discoloured, creams or ointments which have cracked or separated, broken or chipped tablets,etc.Besides,sensitive medicines,like eye-ear drops,must be disposed after 60 days from its first opening,unless stated otherwise.Never forget to discard old and unused medicines, prescriptions that are not needed and any medicine which does not have an expiry date clearly imprinted.

Now a days,a well-stocked home medicine shelf (or box) is an essential element. Keeping it organized makes it easy to find the right medicine at right time.While shelf-storage is good for medicines,a medicine box can also be used .Organise everything neatly by classifying them as individual groups like:

Group 1: General medicines such as vitamins,sex and birth control pills and first aids.

Group 2: Prescription medicines.

Group 3: Children’s medicines.

Group 4: Antibiotics & Similar Items.

Keep related documents and records like prescriptions,phone numbers,etc inside the medicine compartment and make sure that all labels and notifications are clear and informative. Remember to review the medicine cabinet periodically,following a strict schedule, to discard expired,unused or damaged drugs and prescriptions.