Is storing medicines in the bathroom a good idea? Pharmacist explains

According to Aline Benedita dos Santos Fonseca, coordinator of the Pharmacy course at Faculdade Anhanguera, the correct storage of medicines is extremely important to guarantee quality, safety and effectiveness, throughout the product's shelf life. The Pharmacist explains that “the storage method directly impacts the stability of the medicine, which is directly related to maintaining its physical (shape, hardness), physical-chemical (pH, density, lipid solubility coefficient), microbiological (preservative action) characteristics, in order to maintain the bioavailability of the medicines”.

As the specialist reports, "scientific studies demonstrate that extrinsic factors such as humidity and temperature directly affect the stability of medicines, because an increase in temperature increases the kinetic energy of chemical reactions and promotes an acceleration of the degradation of medicines. Humidity, in turn, can affect the hardness of tablets, making them more friable and reducing their hardness, promoting the loss of mass and consequently loss of the active ingredient, which can contribute to the ineffectiveness of the treatment."

The pharmaceutical company explains that “pharmaceutical industries carry out drug stability tests in Brazil in accordance with ANVISA (National Health Surveillance Agency), following legislation such as RDC 318/2019, including within this legislation temperature and humidity tests in controlled chambers, which later with RDC 430/2020, define the storage conditions for medicines, as well as the best temperature and humidity range.” Therefore, it is important to follow the storage recommendations indicated on the packaging or leaflet.

Why isn't the bathroom the best place?

The temperature generated during the bath can trigger an acceleration of the chemical degradation reactions of the drug, which can reduce the potency of the medicine. In turn, high humidity favors hydrolysis processes, physical changes to tablets and can compromise the microbiological stability of formulations.

Where should medicines be stored?

According to recommendations in RDC 318/2019 and RDC 420/2020, medicines must be stored in ventilated, dry places, protected from light, heat and humidity according to the following table:

[Is storing medicines in the bathroom a good idea?]© Reproduction

Is a refrigerator always a good alternative?

Not all medications need to be refrigerated. In fact, storing a medicine in the refrigerator unnecessarily can be harmful. Only products that present this specific recommendation on the packaging or leaflet should be kept refrigerated, and never in the refrigerator door, in order to avoid temperature variations.

What precautions deserve attention?

In addition to avoiding the bathroom, it is important not to leave medications near the stove, in places exposed to the sun or inside the car, where temperatures can reach high levels. Another fundamental precaution is to keep products out of the reach of children and pets.

How do you know if a medication may have been compromised?

Changes in color, smell, texture or appearance may be signs that the product is not in ideal condition for consumption. In these cases, the advice is not to use the medication and consult a pharmacist for information on correct disposal. Never dispose of the medication in the trash, sink or toilet.

Attention to storage helps preserve the effectiveness of medicines

Although it is a common habit, storing medicines in the bathroom can pose a risk to the conservation of the products. "Small changes in the storage location can make a difference in maintaining the quality, safety and effectiveness of medicines. Therefore, it is worth reviewing where medicines are stored at home", concludes the professor.

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