During summer without air conditioning, indoor temperatures typically reach around 30°C (86°F). At such high temperatures, some household medications may deteriorate and lose efficacy. Store common household medicines according to the instructions on the packaging. Medications requiring refrigeration should be stored in the refrigerator.
Medications have three storage temperature categories:
Store drugs according to their label-specified conditions and corresponding temperatures. Storage requirements generally fall into three classes: First, room temperature storage between 10°C and 30°C; second, cool, dark storage below 20°C; third, refrigeration between 2°C and 8°C.
The following five commonly used household medications require refrigeration: 1. Injectable solutions, such as insulin for diabetes patients; 2. Oral medications and certain anti-diarrheal drugs, such as Lizhu Changle and Peifekang; 3. Topical medications, such as eye drops for treating keratitis or glaucoma; 4. Suppositories, including rectal suppositories and those for treating vaginal infections;5. Biological agents, such as medications labeled with terms like "biological" or "active factors," as their active components are prone to deterioration and decomposition, necessitating refrigeration.
Cough Syrups Should Not Be Refrigerated
Common summer remedies like cough syrups and cold syrups—which are sugar-based formulations—do not require refrigeration. Room temperature storage is sufficient. Low temperatures reduce the solubility of sugar-based formulations, causing separation and decreased concentration. Additionally, storing certain topical creams at excessively low temperatures can diminish their efficacy.
Poor medication habits reduce drug efficacy
Many common medication mistakes diminish drug effectiveness. For instance, reinserting tablets into their foil packaging after opening compromises protection. The foil acts as a barrier against moisture and heat; without it, tablets rapidly lose potency. Regularly organizing home medicine cabinets by medication type is also advisable.