STORING PHARMACEUTICALS-Properly Storing Medicine

 

Every year there are reports of children and even adult visitors taking drugs from medicine cabinets in homes, some of which end with tragic accidents. Many people have large numbers of pharmaceuticals in their homes, especially if they have an injury managed by pain medication, regular prescription refills, and even over the counter medications, then it is important to keep these products secured. There are a number of different solutions for properly storing pharmaceuticals, and here we’ll go over a few of the different ways to keep medications safe and sound.

Storing pharmaceuticals is best done with a secure locker or cabinet, which can be opened using a combination lock, sturdy padlock, or deadbolt. Those using this type of locker should not leave the combination or key where others can easily find it. There are plenty of types of pharmaceutical storage units that can also help you keep your pills and other medicines organized. A locked container is the best solution to drug storage because it provides a safe place for medications, but in order for it to be secure you must remember to put medications back inside after use and to keep it locked when not in use.

Other solutions for storing pharmaceuticals depend on your particular situation. For example, a couple with a very small child can reasonably expect that keeping medications in a high counter that is well out of reach of the child will keep them safe. However, many children can get to medicine cabinets and other common places for storage simply by climbing or standing on something, so those with more adventurous young children should make sure that they cannot access the area where medications are kept. If you have any doubts about whether your child can get to the medicine cabinet, keep it locked. Even over the counter medicines like acetaminophen can be harmful in large doses, and even fatal to small children. Worse, some children may initially mistake small pills for candy.

Storing pharmaceuticals in a safe place is the best way to prevent any accidents involving medications from occurring in your home. Knowing how many pills you have left for each type of medication you take is a good way to keep track of your medicines, and using a pill counter for this task makes it easy and fast. Proper medication storage should be a priority for anyone, especially people with children.