Home Medicine Storage: Dos and Don’ts

Home Medicine Storage: Dos and Don’ts

As a pharmacist, I am often asked by patients and their families: “Is it advisable to keep medicines at home?” In fact, having a small household medicine cabinet is necessary, but without proper selection and storage, it can become a health risk.

First, home medicine storage should focus on basic, essential medications. These include common fever and pain relievers (paracetamol), anti-allergy medicines (loratadine, cetirizine), oral rehydration salts (ORS) for diarrhea, topical antiseptics (alcohol, povidone iodine), sterile gauze, and simple medical tools such as a thermometer and adhesive bandages. These items are commonly used and safer compared to prescription-only medications.

It is important not to stock up on prescription drugs such as antibiotics, cardiovascular medications, diabetes drugs, or sedatives. These should only be used under the supervision of a doctor or pharmacist, as misuse can cause serious side effects or mask symptoms. I have seen many cases where patients reused leftover antibiotics, which led to antibiotic resistance and made subsequent treatment much more difficult.

Proper storage is another often-overlooked aspect. Medicines should be kept in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight, and out of children’s reach. Many families keep medicines in the bathroom or kitchen—areas with high heat and humidity—which can cause drugs to degrade and lose their effectiveness. It is also essential to check expiration dates regularly and discard any expired medications or those without clear labels.

Another practice I always encourage patients to adopt is labeling the purpose and dosage of each medicine in the home medicine cabinet. In emergencies, this helps family members use the correct medicine without confusion.

In short, keeping medicines at home is necessary but should be done selectively and responsibly. A tidy, safe, and well-monitored household medicine cabinet will serve as a helpful “companion” in everyday health care. And remember: whenever you encounter a health problem beyond what can be managed at home, consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately for proper guidance.