Proper storage helps your medication stay safe and effective. It also lowers the risk of accidental misuse or poisoning.
We recommend you store your medication according to the following MedlinePlus.gov guidelines:
- Know that heat, air, light, and moisture may damage your medicine.
- Store your medicines in a cool, dry place. For example, store it in your dresser drawer or a kitchen cabinet away from the stove, sink, and any hot appliances. You can also store medicine in a storage box, on a shelf, or in a closet.
While many people store medicine in a bathroom cabinet, it’s not the best place. The heat and moisture from showers, baths, and sinks can damage your medication. This can make it less effective or cause it to go bad before the expiration date. Pills and capsules are especially sensitive to heat and moisture. For example, aspirin can break down into vinegar and salicylic acid, which may irritate your stomach.
Additionally, you should always keep your medication in its original container or the container it was dispensed in. If there’s a cotton ball inside the bottle, remove it as it draws moisture into the bottle and can damage the medication.
To help keep children safe, you should always store your medicine out of reach and out of sight. If possible, use a cabinet with a childproof latch or lock.