Safe Medication Storage at Home.

Appropriate storage of medications, vitamins, and supplements in the home is essential for safety, particularly in homes with small children. Keeping your medications stored properly will also keep medications in the physical condition that helps them work best for you. Here is a guide for proper storage you can use at home.

Clean out the Clutter

At least once a year, you should check the labels on all medications you have in your medicine cabinet and wherever else you keep medications. Medications that are past their expiration date, that have a change in color or smell, or that you are no longer taking should be disposed of properly. Expired medications may not work as well for you, or may even be harmful. All medications kept in storage should be in date, clearly labeled, and stored in their original containers. Medications that are in date and taken as directed by your doctor will work the best for you, with the least chance of unpleasant effects.

A Place for Everything

Storing your medications in the correct environmental conditions ensures that they will stay in the best condition to keep working well for you. Some medications need to be refrigerated, while others should be protected from light. Tablets and capsules are best kept in a cool dry place (not in the heat and moisture of a bathroom medicine cabinet, for example). Never carry your medications in your pocket, where your body heat can damage them. Your pharmacist can help you determine the best storage conditions for your medications.

Special Considerations for Kids

The pocket of a jacket or inside a purse is a place where a child can easily find your medication, possibly resulting in poisoning. If medications must be carried in a purse or jacket, keep them in a secure pillbox, and never carry more than you need for the day. Supervise small children carefully when visiting an unfamiliar home, and make sure any items that belong to visitors of your home are kept out of reach of curious hands. In your own home, keep all medications securely locked in a childproof cabinet. All medications should be stored in tightly closed child-resistant packaging. Keep the telephone number for poison control (1-800-222-1222) in a convenient location, and call as soon as you are suspicious of any poisoning. If possible, have the container of the suspected poison on hand when you call. If you have any questions, please Contact Us by E-mail.

Find Today's Pollen Count in Your Area

Learn More >>

Get More Information from Our Expert Partners

Visit the Skin Cancer Foundation Website

American Heart Association "Learn & Live Quiz"

Take the Quiz >>

High Blood Pressure: Monitoring and Recording

High blood pressure, sometimes called the 'silent killer,' is one of the most widespread health conditions in America today. It is estimated that one in every four adults in the United States has high blood pressure. A characteristic that sets high blood pressure apart from various other common health problems is that many people who are affected by it don't realize it because, in general, having high blood pressure doesn't make a person feel sick. Approximately one third of the fifty million Americans with high blood pressure don't know they have the disease. High blood pressure increases your risk for heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke. The Good News About High Blood Pressure is that it is easy to measure and monitor. Your physician is the only person who can diagnose you with high blood pressure and it is recommended that you have your blood pressure checked each time you meet with a health care professional. The most accurate and reliable way to have your blood pressure checked is to have it done at a doctor's office with a traditional mercury blood pressure monitor. However, the doctor's office isn't the only place to have your blood pressure checked. Many pharmacies and supermarkets offer convenient electronic devices that allow people to monitor their blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure one of the best things you can do is to monitor your blood pressure frequently. One way to do this is to measure your blood pressure at home and record the results. This is an important step that allows you to work with your doctor to manage your high blood pressure. There are many benefits to home blood pressure monitoring: It can motivate you by giving you a sense of control over your health and goals to work towards. It can help your doctor determine how well your medications are working. It helps doctor's tell the difference between the measurements taken in a relaxed setting at home and those taken in the office, which for some people may be higher than normal. It is also very important to keep a record of your home blood pressure measurements. A wallet size blood pressure record card is available at CVS pharmacies and provides a convenient and easy way to keep record of your measurements. Important things to include in your blood pressure record are: the blood pressure reading, your pulse, who took the reading, where it was taken, the time and date, and what type of monitor was used. Home Monitoring Equipment is easily available and affordable. The many options available for home blood pressure monitoring equipment.