Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Drug Storage

Proper drug storage is critical in the healthcare setting to ensure the safety and effectiveness of medications. Proper storage can help to prevent contamination, deterioration, and misadministration of drugs.

There are several guidelines and best practices that healthcare organizations should follow when storing drugs, including:

Storing drugs in their original packaging: This can help to prevent contamination and ensure that the correct medication is dispensed.

Storing drugs in a secure location: This can help to prevent unauthorized access to drugs and reduce the risk of diversion or theft.

Storing drugs at the appropriate temperature: Many drugs are sensitive to temperature changes and may be damaged or rendered ineffective if not stored properly. For example, some drugs should be stored in a cool, dry place, while others may need to be stored in a refrigerator or freezer.

Storing drugs out of reach of children and pets: This can help to prevent accidental ingestion or poisoning.

Storing drugs in a way that minimizes light exposure: Some drugs may be sensitive to light and may be damaged or rendered ineffective if exposed to sunlight or other sources of light.

Disposing of expired or unused drugs properly: It is important to dispose of expired or unused drugs in a safe and responsible manner, such as through a take-back program or a medication disposal program.

Healthcare organizations should have policies and procedures in place to ensure that drugs are stored properly