What do we need to pay attention to when keeping medical supplies at home?

2023-04-04

The family medicine cabinet should be cleaned every 3-6 months. However, it's not necessary to open a clinic at home. In fact, don't prepare too many medications, and remember that all medications will expire. There are many types of drugs that may not necessarily be used, resulting in higher costs. In addition, the chances of using or taking the wrong drugs will also increase.

In addition, except for some medications that need to be taken for a long time, the amount of medication prepared at home should not be too large, usually enough for three to five days to avoid excessive preparation and waste.

Four key points to note:

1. Reasonable storage. Drugs often deteriorate and become ineffective due to external conditions such as light, heat, moisture, air, acid, alkali, temperature, and microorganisms. Therefore, it is best to put the drugs stored at home separately into brown bottles, tighten the caps, and place them in a dark, dry, and cool place to prevent deterioration and failure. Some drugs that are easily affected by temperature, such as fetal disc globulin, rifampicin eye drops, etc., can be stored in a refrigerator or freezer; Alcohol, iodine, and other preparations should be stored in a closed container.

2. Indicate the validity and expiration dates. All drugs have a valid usage period and an expiration date. After the expiration date, they cannot be used again, otherwise it will affect the efficacy and even bring adverse consequences. Bulk drugs should be separated by category and prominently labeled, indicating the storage date, drug name, usage, dosage, and expiration date. Reserve drugs should be regularly inspected and replaced in a timely manner every year.

3. Pay attention to appearance changes. When using stored drugs, attention should be paid to observing the appearance changes. If the tablet becomes loose or discolored; Adhesion or cracking of sugar coating on sugar coated tablets; Adhesion and cracking of capsules; Pill adhesion, mold or insect infestation; The powder is severely hygroscopic, clumped, and moldy; Eye drops discolor and become cloudy; When there is an odor, discoloration, or oil layer precipitation in the ointment, it cannot be reused.

4. Keep it properly. Internal medication and external medication should be placed separately to avoid taking the wrong medication during busy times. Medicines should be kept in a safe place to prevent children from taking them by mistake.



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