How to store medicines safely at home
Last reviewed 23 October 2026
Short answer: Keep medicines in their original packs, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of children's reach. Follow any storage instruction printed on the label, check expiry dates regularly, and do not keep medicines you no longer need.
Why storage matters
A medicine that has been stored badly may not work as well as it should, and in some cases it can become unsafe. Heat, humidity and sunlight can damage tablets, capsules, syrups and creams. Pakistan's hot summers and humid weather in many areas make good storage especially important. A medicine you paid for is wasted if it spoils before you use it.
The basic rules
- Read the storage instruction on the pack. The label may say "store in a cool, dry place", "protect from light" or "store in a refrigerator". Follow what your pack says, because different medicines have different needs.
- Keep medicines in their original packaging. The pack carries the name, strength, batch number and expiry date, and the leaflet explains how to use it. Do not move tablets into unlabelled boxes or bottles.
- Avoid heat and sunlight. Do not leave medicines on a sunny windowsill, near a stove or heater, or in a parked car.
- Avoid damp places. The bathroom and kitchen are often too humid. A bedroom shelf or a closed cupboard in a dry room is usually better.
- Keep them out of reach of children. Use a high shelf, a locked cupboard or a box with a child-resistant lid. Children can mistake tablets and syrups for sweets.
- Close containers tightly after each use, and keep dropper bottles and tubes clean.
Different forms need different care
| Type | What to watch for |
|---|---|
| Tablets and capsules | Keep dry. Do not use if they are damp, cracked, sticky or discoloured. Keep strips sealed until needed. |
| Syrups and suspensions | Check the label for how long a bottle can be used after it is opened, and for whether it needs to be kept in the refrigerator. Shake before use if the label says so. |
| Creams, ointments and eye or ear drops | Close the cap after use and do not touch the tip. Check the label for how long an opened pack stays usable. |
| Insulin and other refrigerated medicines | Follow the label and your doctor or pharmacist exactly. Do not leave them in the heat, and ask what to do during a power cut. |
Check expiry dates regularly
Look through your medicine box every few months. Remove anything that has expired, any pack with no label, and anything that looks, smells or feels different from normal. Do not use a medicine after its expiry date. Our guide on how to read a medicine label shows where to find the expiry date and batch number.
Old and unused medicines
- Do not keep leftover prescription medicines "just in case" and do not share them with other people.
- Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of expired medicines in your area.
- If you throw medicines away, keep them away from children and animals, and take them out of their packs only if the pharmacist or label tells you to.
- Do not flush medicines down the toilet unless the leaflet or a pharmacist says to.
Keep a simple home medicine list
Write down the medicines you keep, why you have them and their expiry dates. It helps you avoid buying duplicates, and it helps a doctor or pharmacist if someone in your family becomes unwell. This habit also helps with price comparison. When you do need to buy, read how pack sizes work and compare the price per tablet.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to keep medicines in the bathroom cabinet?
It is usually not the best place, because bathrooms are warm and humid. A dry shelf or cupboard in another room is better, unless the label says otherwise.
Should I keep all medicines in the refrigerator in summer?
No. Only keep a medicine in the refrigerator if the label or your pharmacist says so. Some medicines can be damaged by cold or by moisture in the refrigerator.
Can I use a medicine a little after its expiry date?
It is safest not to. After the expiry date, the manufacturer cannot guarantee that the medicine works properly or is safe. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.
How long can I use a syrup after opening it?
It depends on the product. Check the label or leaflet, and ask your pharmacist. Many liquid medicines have a shorter life once they are opened.
Sources and further reading
- The storage instructions printed on the label and leaflet of each medicine.
- DRAP, dra.gov.pk, for official information on registered medicines.
- Your pharmacist or doctor, for advice about a specific medicine.