Medication Storage

Storage Conditions for Medications

• Medications must be stored based on ingredient stability.

• Important factors for storage:

  • Temperature

  • Humidity

  • Light

• Proper storage is critical for the integrity of medications.

• Storage requirements are indicated on the medication package and product insert.

• Additional information can be obtained by contacting the manufacturer.

Temperature Guidelines

• Room Temperature:

  • Generally between $20$ °C ($68$ °F) and $25$ °C ($77$ °F)

• Refrigerator Temperature:

  • Usually between $1.7$ °C ($35$ °F) and $7.8$ °C ($46$ °F)

• Freezer Temperature:

  • Set at $-15$ °C ($5$ °F) or below

• Temperature verification:

  • Should be documented twice daily.

  • If temperatures are out of range, notify the pharmacist or facility's maintenance team and document actions taken.

Temperature Conversion

Converting Celsius to Fahrenheit

• Equation:
  $5F = 9C + 160$

• Example: Convert $20$ °C to Fahrenheit:

  • Plug in $C = 20$:

  • $5F = 9(20) + 160$

  • $5F = 180 + 160$

  • $5F = 340$

  • $F = 68$ °F

  • Result: 68 degrees Fahrenheit

Converting Fahrenheit to Celsius

• Example: Convert $86$ °F to Celsius:

  • Plug in $F = 86$:

  • $5(86) = 9C + 160$

  • $430 = 9C + 160$

  • $270 = 9C$

  • $C = 30$ °C

  • Result: 30 degrees Celsius

Community Pharmacy Storage Requirements

• Prescriptions waiting for pickup must be stored appropriately.

• Medications requiring specific storage are labeled:

  • Auxiliary Labels: Indicate storage requirements (e.g., "Do not refrigerate").

Examples of Specific Medications

• Digoxin Immune Fab (DigiBind):

  • Antidote for digoxin stored in the refrigerator.

• Sublingual Nitroglycerin Tablets:

  • Must be dispensed in the original manufacturer's amber bottle.

  • Sensitive to humidity and light, which can reduce effectiveness.

• Zoster Vaccine:

  • Stored in the freezer between $-50$ °C ($-58$ °F) and $-15$ °C ($5$ °F).

  • Proper temperature maintenance is crucial for effectiveness.

• Mannitol:

  • Usually stored in a warmer box to prevent crystallization.

• Common Medications in Refrigerators:

  • Latanoprost ophthalmic drops

  • Insulin formulations

  • Etanogestrel vaginal rings

  • Promethazine suppositories

• Antibiotic Powders:

  • Stored at room temperature until mixed with purified water.

  • Once reconstituted, some must be refrigerated for storage.