Representational photo
Doha, Qatar: Preserving medications and treatments under varying climatic conditions is crucial to ensure their effectiveness and safety. Winter, in particular, requires special care in medication storage.
Regarding the importance of storing medications during winter, Dr. Musa Basheer Mansour, Consultant Family Medicine at Umm Ghuwailina Health Center under the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), said, “Many people face challenges in storing medications at low temperatures during winter, which can affect their effectiveness and quality. Medications often contain heat- and humidity-sensitive substances, such as added chemical compounds. Freezing or extremely low temperatures may lead to decomposition or alteration of their composition. In some cases, storing medications below the recommended temperature can reduce their efficacy or even render them completely ineffective.”
During the winter months, various factors can affect the efficacy of medications. Severe cold temperatures, lower than the recommended storage limits, can cause issues such as reduced absorption, crystallization of liquids, or alterations in the drug’s composition. Similarly, excess humidity can lead to mold growth or trigger unwanted chemical reactions that can compromise a drug’s effectiveness.
Additionally, sudden exposure to high heat, such as storing medications near heating sources, can also decrease their potency.
To ensure medications remain effective during winter, several storage precautions should be followed. First, it’s crucial to avoid extremely low temperatures, as specified in the storage instructions (usually between 20-25°C).
Medications should not be left in very cold environments like cars or open balconies. Additionally, keeping medications away from direct heat sources, such as heaters or stoves, is essential to prevent damage. Since high humidity levels indoors can be a problem due to heating devices and steam, medications should be stored in a dry place, such as a cabinet, away from kitchens and bathrooms.
Furthermore, keeping medications out of children’s reach is vital for their safety. Lastly, regularly checking expiration dates and properly disposing of expired medications will help ensure their continued effectiveness.
Dr. Musa advised storing medications in their original packaging and avoiding transferring them to other containers, as the original packaging often contains storage instructions and warnings. He also emphasized following the specific storage requirements for certain medications, such as insulin or eye drops, which should be kept in the refrigerator at a temperature of 2-8°C, ensuring they are not frozen.
He added that some sensitive medications require special care, such as antibiotics after opening, which must be stored in the refrigerator and used within the recommended period. Similarly, topical medications like creams and ointments should ideally be stored in cool places away from direct sunlight or heat.
Additionally, medications for allergies or asthma, such as nasal sprays and inhalers, should be protected from freezing or excessive heat exposure.
