Medicine cabinets require spring cleaning

The beginning of spring means “out with the old and in with the new,” and while it’s customary to “spring clean” our closets, garages, and other areas of the home, all too often we neglect cleaning and updating one of the most important areas. important. places in our house – the first-aid kit.

Do a general cleaning of your medicine cabinet by identifying expired medications, both over the counter and those prescribed by a doctor, which can often start to harm and be harmful if swallowed. Manufacturers set expiration dates as a guarantee that, through that date, the drug will maintain its potency as manufactured.

However, medications can also expire before their expiration date if they are not stored properly, especially when they come into contact with moisture, heat, or sunlight that can alter the medications, regardless of their expiration date.

Ironically, medicines tend to break down where they are most commonly found—on bathroom shelves or kitchen cabinets—where their exposure to heat and moisture is often the greatest. Instead, consider cool, dry, dark places between 59 and 80 degrees, such as your refrigerator, a hall closet, or a dresser drawer for safe storage, as long as they are out of the reach of children.

In addition to expired medications, remove empty or nearly empty bottles that cannot be
contain enough medication for a full dose. Discard items that are not properly sealed or stored. If you have partially used prescriptions, contact your doctor to determine if you should save them.

Never allow children or pets to locate discarded medications. Flushing medicines down the drain or toilet can contaminate groundwater supplies, while throwing them away can ultimately damage the soil. Instead, ask your local pharmacy if they accept expired medications. Most pharmacies will turn them over to a certified hazardous materials collection program for proper disposal.

If you need to throw away medications, store them in their original, child-resistant, airtight containers. Leave the label on, but remove your name to protect your privacy. Add a little water to the pills and put a little flour in the liquids. Conceal vials by placing them in empty margarine tubs or paper bags before throwing them away.

Once you’ve disposed of your old medications, restock your supplies with the basics: pain relievers, antiseptics, antibiotic ointments, and bandages. Anti-inflammatories, medications for diarrhea, nausea, and constipation, as well as sunscreen, are also recommended. Upgrade and restock your first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wash, and spring rash ointment.

Above all, think of your medicine storage space as more than just a place to find something to treat a headache or pain, but rather a central place where an adult can access medicines and first aid supplies at any time of day. or at night