4 Medication Storage and Interactions Free Online FlashCards

What should guide how a medicine is stored?

Follow the storage directions on the medicine’s label or patient leaflet; some medicines need refrigeration or protection from moisture, light, or heat.

Where should medicines usually be stored?

Unless instructed otherwise, keep medicines in a cool, dry place—not a humid bathroom or a hot car.

How should medicines be secured at home?

Keep medicines in their labeled, child-resistant containers, securely closed and out of children’s and pets’ sight and reach.

What should you do if medicine may have been exposed to extreme temperatures?

Ask a pharmacist what to do if a medicine may have been exposed to extreme temperatures.

What is the preferred way to dispose of unused medicine?

Use a medicine take-back location or prepaid mail-back option when available.

When may a medicine be flushed down the toilet?

Check the medicine’s label and the current FDA flush list. Flush only medicines listed there.

How does FDA advise disposing of most medicines in household trash?

For most other medicines, remove them from their original containers, mix them with an undesirable substance without crushing tablets or capsules, seal the mixture in a container, and put it in household trash.

What should you do to empty medicine packaging before disposal?

Scratch out personal information on empty medicine packaging.

What is a medication interaction?

An interaction occurs when a medicine, food, drink, supplement, or another medicine changes a drug’s effects or the amount of drug in the body.

What can a medication interaction do?

An interaction may cause stronger side effects, reduced effectiveness, or another harmful effect.

What information should you share to help check for interactions?

Keep an up-to-date list of all prescription and over-the-counter products, vitamins, herbs, and other supplements, including doses. Share it with the pharmacist and other clinicians, and mention usual foods and alcohol use.

What should you do before changing a medicine or supplement?

Check product information and ask a pharmacist or prescriber before adding, stopping, or changing a medicine or supplement. Do not stop a prescribed medicine or change its dose on your own.