In order to keep our medications fresh and to assure they work in they way they were intended, we must know how to store them properly. Many medications become useless when stored improperly or kept too long. Worse yet, some become unstable or even toxic!

The absolute worst place to keep your medications? In the medicine cabinet! Never, ever keep your medications in the bathroom medicine cabinet. The humidity from taking showers or baths rapidly deteriorates most medications.

Of course you'll want to keep them handy, but there are other things you need to consider. Just as bad as the moisture from the bathroom is the sunlight from that window over the kitchen sink as well as other sources of heat. You should keep your medicines between 59 degrees F to 86 degrees F (15 degrees C to 30 degrees C).

You'll want to keep all medications in their original container. The label that's on the original containers identifies the drug and provides other important information like expiration date, dosing instructions, or or special storage requirements. These containers protect drugs from the damaging effects of moisture and light.

Do not to mix different medications in the same container. You could easily take the wrong one if medications are stored together. In an emergency, someone else (including emergency personnel) would not know which medication is which or for what condition.

Never take medications in the dark even if you have one of those pill-dosing containers that allow you to set up your medicine ahead of time. In the dark, especially when just waking from sleep, it is much too easy to take the wrong medicine. If need be, go into the bathroom or elsewhere, turn on the light, and LOOK at the medication. If you are going to the cupboard or lockbox to get your medicine, wear your glasses if needed and actually READ the label. Pay attention to the name as well as dosing and medication name on the label.

If your medication comes with packing cotton, remove it. Otherwise, it will attract and hold moisture. Always close the container tightly but not so tight that it's hard to open. If opening the bottles are difficult for you, talk to your pharmacist about easy-open bottles. Just be sure to keep these out of the reach of children & pets. Consider a lock box to protect your little ones.

Some medications require special storage, such as refrigeration. Do not freeze liquid medications! Freezing can cause them to become useless.If your refrigerated liquid medication is difficult to pour, let it warm up a little and shake very well.

Do not save medications for the next time you may think that you need it. I know it's tempting, especially when you consider the costs of going to the doctor or filling a prescription. But you could take the wrong medication for a condition or infection that you "think" you have. Even if it seems like the same thing you had before or it seems to be "what's going around", it often times is NOT! Only a doctor can tell you for sure what condition you have. The other danger is that the medication could be past it's expiration date. As with the moisture in the bathroom and heat, medication past its expiration can be either useless or toxic. The only exception to this rule are medications whose dosing says "as needed" or "as necessary". These medications you shouldn't feel that you have to finish. They may be kept on hand for a short amount of time -- check your label for the expiration date or check with your pharmacist.

If you end up with unused medications, new studies shows that you should not flush them down the toilet as these medications are ending up in our streams and oceans. They now recommend that you remove the label, place the medications themselves in a used coffee filter & place in a zip-lock bag. Then throw in a trash receptacle that children or animals do not have easy access to. Discard the empty bottle as well.

When you are traveling, keep your medications with you. Luggage may be thrown around carelessly & is often transported at extremes in temperature in the luggage compartment or even in your trunk. If a your luggage is lost refilling a prescription may be difficult if not darn near impossible. Consider too if you have a medication that needs refrigeration, you may need to pack a small cooler for trips.

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