Home pharmacy safety: Best practices for organization and storage

Proper organization and storage of home medicine supplies are essential for safety and maintaining medication efficacy. Experts suggest that a structured approach can reduce response times during emergencies and prevent the degradation of active ingredients.

To improve home preparedness, it is recommended to organize supplies into functional zones, similar to an emergency room. One zone should focus on acute wound care (bandages, sterile compresses, and antiseptic), a second on fever and pain management (separating adult and pediatric medications), and a third for burns.

Regarding storage conditions, René Holm, a professor of pharmacy at the University of Southern Denmark, warns against common mistakes such as storing medicine in bathrooms. The heat and humidity from showers can negatively impact medications. Similarly, medicine should be kept away from direct sunlight, radiators, or kitchen stoves. For most preparations, a dry cupboard at room temperature is ideal, though specific instructions on packaging or leaflets should always be followed to determine if refrigeration is required.