How to Keep Medications Fresh

Your medications have specific storage requirements for their effectiveness and potency to be preserved. Many medications can break down when exposed to extreme temperatures, moisture, air or light, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. You might have been storing your medications in the bathroom, but even when they're kept in a tightly closed medicine cabinet, they're exposed to high levels of humidity from hot water, which could cause them to eventually lose their potency. Learn how to properly store your medications to keep them fresh up until their expiration date.

Things You'll Need

• Cabinet or drawer lock

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Instructions

• 1

  Read the label on the medication bottle or container for any specific storage instructions, since some drugs need to be kept in the refrigerator. Place the medication on a high shelf in the refrigerator out of the reach of children.

• 2

  Remove the cotton ball under the medication container's cap after it's opened and discard. The cotton ball can attract moisture inside the container, which can cause the medication to lose its potency.

• 3

  Select a drawer or cabinet that's away from extreme heat and light to store your medication. Keep medication stored in a kitchen cabinet that is not near the sink, stove or oven. Install a lock on the cabinet or drawer if you need to prevent children from having access to it.

• 4

  Discard medication after the expiration date that's printed on the bottle label. Throw out any medication before the expiration date if you notice a change in color, odor, texture or the tablets have become chipped, cracked or are sticking together.