SUNDAY, June 13 (HealthDayNews) -- Did you ever wonder why the labels on so many medications advise keeping the drugs in a cool, dry place?

It's because heat and humidity can break medicine down, making it less effective and potentially dangerous.

For example, the heart medication nitroglycerin begins to work when it is placed under the tongue because it is activated by moisture, according to a pharmaceutical expert at the University of Kansas. So, if you store this medication in a humid area, it will start to break down, and when you need it you won't get the proper dose.

Heat, moisture and light all have the potential to alter the effectiveness of drugs. That means the bathroom medicine cabinet is probably the worst place to store medications. A kitchen cabinet, out of children's reach, is a better place to store both prescription and non-prescription drugs.

Other suggestions for keeping your medication at its most effective:

  • Don't store in the refrigerator unless directed to do so by your pharmacist.
  • Keep the medication in its original packaging -- those drug-store bottles are amber colored to keep light from affecting the medicine.

If you have to carry your medication with you, keep in mind that your car is probably not a great place to store your medicine either, because of the extremes in temperature.

More information

Read more about the proper way to store your prescription medications from the Better Business Bureau.



-- Serena Gordon



SOURCE: University of Kansas

Last Updated: Jun-13-2004