Knowing how to store medicines safely at home protects children, pets and the medicines themselves. A few simple habits help keep every household member safe and make sure your medicines work as they should. This guide from Guardian Pharmacy covers where to keep them, how to read storage labels and what to do with the ones you no longer need.
Key takeaways
- Keep all medicines out of sight and reach of children, ideally in a high, lockable place.
- Store them in their original packaging, away from heat, damp and direct sunlight.
- Check expiry dates and storage instructions on the label or leaflet.
- Take unwanted or out-of-date medicines to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
Why it matters to store medicines safely
Medicines are carefully tested, but only when they are kept as the maker intended. Heat, moisture and light can change how some products behave.
Safety is just as important. Young children are curious and may mistake tablets or liquids for sweets or drinks. Good storage is one of the simplest ways to prevent accidental poisoning, which is covered in more detail in our guide to recognising a medicine overdose or poisoning emergency.
Where to keep medicines at home
The best place is cool, dry and out of reach. A high cupboard or a lockable medicine box works well. Many people use the bathroom, but it is often warm and steamy, which is not ideal.
- Choose a high shelf or a cabinet with a lock or child-resistant catch.
- Avoid windowsills, radiators, cars and kitchens near the cooker or kettle.
- Keep medicines separate from food, cleaning products and cosmetics.
Do not leave medicines in handbags, coat pockets or bedside tables where visiting children could find them.
Reading labels, expiry dates and special storage
Always keep medicines in their original container with the leaflet. The label shows the name, the expiry date and any storage advice. Transferring tablets into unmarked pots or pill organisers for long periods can lead to mix-ups.
Some medicines need special care. Certain liquids, eye drops and creams have a shorter life once opened, so note the date you opened them. Others must be kept in the fridge, away from the freezer compartment. If the label gives instructions, follow them exactly, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
If you use over-the-counter pain relief, the same rules apply. Our guide to using over-the-counter pain relief safely explains how to read labels and why you should never exceed the limits they set.
Keeping medicines away from children and visitors
Child-resistant lids slow children down but are not child-proof. Always close the cap fully after use and put the medicine back straight away, even if you only need it again later in the day.
Never describe medicines as sweets. Tell grandparents, babysitters and guests to keep their own medicines out of reach too. If you care for someone who takes several medicines, a locked box can help keep everything organised and secure.
Medicines can also harm pets, so keep them well away from animals.
Getting rid of unwanted medicines
Out-of-date medicines and those you no longer need should not go in the bin, down the sink or the toilet. Take them to your local pharmacy, which can dispose of them safely. This keeps them away from children and protects the environment.
It is a good idea to check your medicine cupboard every few months. Remove anything expired, anything without a label and anything left over from a finished course. Our guide to NHS prescriptions and Pharmacy First explains how your pharmacy can support you with your medicines.
When to speak to a professional
Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how to store a medicine, or what to do with leftovers. If you think a child or adult has swallowed a medicine that was not meant for them, call NHS 111 straight away for advice. If they are drowsy, struggling to breathe, having a seizure or have collapsed, call 999 immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Is the bathroom cabinet a good place for medicines?
Usually not. Bathrooms are often warm and damp, which can affect some medicines. A cool, dry, high cupboard elsewhere in the home is generally better.
Can I use a medicine after its expiry date?
It is best not to. After the expiry date the maker can no longer guarantee that it works properly or is safe. Take it to a pharmacy for disposal and ask whether you need a replacement.
Should I keep medicines in their original boxes?
Yes. The box and leaflet carry the name, expiry date, storage advice and safety information you may need later.
How should I dispose of old medicines?
Return them to a pharmacy. Do not flush them or put them in household waste, where children, pets or wildlife could come across them.
Related reading
- Medicine overdose and poisoning: recognising an emergency and what to do
- Using over-the-counter pain relief safely
- NHS prescriptions and Pharmacy First explained
- Browse all our health guides
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. If you are worried about your health, speak to your GP or pharmacist, or call NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.
Contact Guardian Pharmacy
Address: 448 Kingsland Road, Dalston, London, E8 4AE, United Kingdom
Email: [email protected]
Website: guardianpharma.co.uk