Heat Exposure

Heat Exposure

SPONSORED BY CANNON PHARMACY

Proper medication storage is crucial in preserving the quality and effectiveness of medications. While proper medication storage includes multiple factors, one of the most critical of these factors is temperature control. Exposing medications to temperatures that are too high or too low can affect the medication’s stability. Medication stability is the ability of a medication to maintain the correct physical, chemical, microbiological and therapeutic properties during storage to provide you with the most benefit during use. While cold temperature can affect stability, excessive heat is far more damaging to a medication’s stability. Exposing medications to higher then recommended temperatures speeds up the rate of various chemical reactions leading to drug degradation or breakdown. This breakdown leads to a decrease in the effectiveness of the medication once it was used.

Unfortunately, there is no standard temperature range for the storage of all medications. The correct storage temperature is unique to each medication and is determined via laboratory testing. However, depending on the dosage form (i.e. tablet, liquid, capsules etc.) there are acceptable ranges in which most medications are stable. The U.S. Pharmacopeia recommends all non-refrigerated medications be stored between 590 F to 770 F, refrigerated medications should be stored between 360F and 490F, and frozen medications stored at 40F. These are general recommendations for medication storage, you should consult your pharmacist for specific storage instructions as it relates to your medications.

Tips for Medication Storage

Most medications may be stored at room temperature in a cool dry place, the use a dresser drawer or closet is preferable. Avoid storing medications in bathroom drawers or medicine cabinets as these areas expose medications to heat and moisture. Avoid storing refrigerated medications in doors, opening and closing may expose medication to warmer temperatures. Instead place medications towards the back of the refrigerator ensuring a more consistent temperature. When traveling carry all medications in their original packaging with you inside the vehicle and in your carry-on. Refrigerated medications should be store in an insulted lunch box or thermos with a cold pack sufficient to keep it cool for the duration of travel.