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Medicine Cabinet Review

A Checklist on Drug Safety, Drug Potency

Feb 9, 2009 Wendy J Meyeroff

It's important to re-examine all your medicines,even over-the-counter, regularly and make sure they're still good to use.

Think that you’re different? See how well you know what’s in your medicine chest and how to make sure.

Test and Tips

Answer the questions first before you peek at the tips!

When was the last time you checked the expiration dates on your over-the-counter medications? Are you sure that laxative or cough syrup is still good? TIP: Set a time at least once a year to go through and review these medicines. Pick a date you’re likely to remember, like a birthday, New Year’s day, or an anniversary.
How much of that huge bottle do you really use? -- More and more seniors are buying in bulk at discount stores, but such purchases aren’t always a bargain. TIP: If you’re all alone and you only use a drug product (even over-the-counter) periodically, like for a stomach upset, you might not finish that bottle before it should be thrown away. So stick to smaller sizes.
Are your prescription drugs all in the same place? -- Many adults keep some medicines in the bathrooms, others in the kitchen, others on their night table. Find one place for everything. TIP: The best place is NOT the bathroom, since steamy baths or showers can corrupt drugs’ potency.
Do you keep a complete list of ALL the medicines you take?-- You should have a list not just of the medicines by name, but also their dosages and how often you take them. TIP: Include both prescription and over-the-counter drugs, and any vitamins, herbs or natural products.
Do you remember what this drug is for? -- Prescription drugs generally don’t have that much information on the box or bottle to jog your memory. If it's in a sample pack, you probably won't have any information at all. TIP: Keep a chart of all your medicines (and those of anyone else in the household) and their uses, plus the details suggested in item #4. You may want to leave a copy with a loved one, like one of your children, in case of emergencies. Find a way to mark sample packs--or throw them away
How well have you checked out that natural remedy? -- “Natural” and “safe” aren’t automatically synonyms. Remember, arsenic is a natural substance. TIP: Before using any natural substance, like an herb, check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if it has any side effects or possible interactions with your regular medicines.

Drug Digest

Other Basics to Review

You should always keep certain health care “staples” on hand, which also need to be replaced regularly. These include:

Thermometers – Having trouble reading them? Maybe a digital would be better. If there’s more than one person, it’s best if each has his/her own.
Bandages – A wide variety of sizes and shapes. Also have gauze pads and tape for creating your own.
First aid ointment
Pain relievers (aspirin, ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen)
Products for cough and cold relief
Laxatives
Products for upset stomach, heartburn, acid reflux
Non-prescription allergy fighters
Eye drops

Final Warnings

Be careful of drug interactions. Always make sure that any of the items you’ll be ingesting – like aspirin, laxatives and cough medicines – can be taken with any prescription drugs you’re using regularly.

Look for safe and even eco-friendly disposal methods of any medicines you’re using. Ask the pharmacist if he/she can take back unused medications. Water down liquids and pills and throw them into well-tied bags or containers that close tightly, to avoid grandkids or pets accidentally ingesting.

The copyright of the article Medicine Cabinet Review in General Medicine is owned by Wendy J Meyeroff. Permission to republish Medicine Cabinet Review in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.