What storage conditions should many medications be kept under?

Many medications should be stored in dry, cool places or refrigerated to maintain their efficacy and stability. Excessive heat, humidity, and exposure to sunlight can degrade medications, potentially leading to reduced effectiveness or harmful interactions.

Storing medications in a dry environment helps prevent moisture-related degradation, which is particularly important for powders or tablets that may absorb water. Cool storage, particularly for certain biologics and other sensitive medications, helps slow down chemical reactions and prevents spoilage. Refrigeration is especially crucial for medications that require it, as this helps keep them effective for a longer period.

While some medications may be stable at room temperature, this is not universally true for all drugs, and storing them in a temperature-controlled environment is often the best practice. A heated environment can accelerate degradation, which is why options involving heat or exposure to light and humidity are inappropriate for most medications.