As a heat wave continues, careful temperature management for medications stored at home is essential. Indoor and vehicle temperatures can exceed recommended storage ranges, potentially affecting the quality and efficacy of medications.
The Korean Pharmaceutical Association's Patient Safety Medication Management Center released a video last July on 'Summer Medication Storage Methods,' warning that medications can lose effectiveness or degrade in hot and humid conditions.
According to the Korean Pharmacopoeia, room temperature is defined as 15-25 degrees Celsius, while ambient temperature ranges from 1-30 degrees Celsius. However, these are not absolute standards for all medications. If specific storage temperatures are indicated on the product packaging or instructions, those should take precedence.
Particularly in summer, medications should not be left in vehicles. The interior temperature of a parked car can soar to 70 degrees Celsius. The Korean Pharmaceutical Association advises against storing medications in such high-temperature environments, as this can lead to the breakdown of active ingredients and changes in quality.
Aspirin, used as an anti-inflammatory and to inhibit blood clotting, may decompose at high temperatures. It should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Topical ointments and creams are also sensitive to light and moisture, so it is important to tightly close the lid after use and follow the storage conditions indicated on the product.
Insulin and growth hormone injections require even more careful temperature management. Generally, they should be refrigerated before opening, but they must not freeze at excessively low temperatures. When transporting these medications, use insulated containers, ensuring that the medication does not come into direct contact with the coolant. The storage temperature and usable period after opening vary by product, so it is crucial to check the instructions or consult healthcare professionals.
Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets, used during angina attacks, are particularly sensitive to light, heat, and moisture. It is recommended to keep them in their original opaque container with the lid tightly closed, rather than transferring them to other bottles or portable containers. Thyroid hormone medications can also be affected by exposure to heat, humidity, and sunlight, so they should be stored in a light-resistant, airtight container.
Inhaled bronchodilators should not be left in high temperatures either. Some pressurized inhalers risk damage to the container at elevated temperatures, which can also affect the dosage delivered. Even when carried in a bag, it is safest to avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or in a closed vehicle.
Syrups and antibiotics should not be universally assumed to require refrigeration just because they are liquid. Some syrup formulations may separate if refrigerated, while certain antibiotic syrups must be refrigerated after preparation. Each medication has different stability and expiration dates based on temperature, so it is advisable to follow the storage instructions provided by the pharmacy and to note the preparation or opening date.
Eye drops and ear drops also require checking individual storage instructions. Some products are meant to be stored at room temperature, while others need refrigeration, and the usable period after opening can vary based on the product and container type. Single-use products should not be stored for long periods after opening.
It is not appropriate to place all medications in the refrigerator simply due to hot weather. Most medications should be stored according to the room temperature or ambient conditions indicated on the packaging. If it is necessary to refrigerate medications that are typically stored at room temperature, they should be sealed in a zip bag to prevent exposure to food and moisture, but exceptions exist for syrups that should not be refrigerated. It is safest to consult a pharmacist before placing any medication in the refrigerator.
Tablets, capsules, and powdered medications are also not immune to high temperatures and humidity. If powdered medications change color or clump together, or if the color, smell, or shape of tablets or capsules appears different than usual, do not take them and consult a pharmacy. Even if there are no visible abnormalities, medications stored outside of proper conditions may undergo quality changes that are not easily detectable.
The Korean Pharmaceutical Association recommends that even if multiple types of medications are dispensed together, they should be kept in their original packaging whenever possible and stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If there are doubts about storage conditions or if specific product conditions are unclear, it is advisable to check with a nearby pharmacy or healthcare provider rather than arbitrarily refrigerating or continuing to take the medication.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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