Page 104 - September 2019

SAFE STORAGE OF
MEDICATIONS
by Nancy S. Loving, DVM • photos by Emily Blankenship
There are a few important considerations to focus on about medication storage and shelf life to ensure that you do no harm and are able to achieve successful results.
When faced with a horse emergency, it’s always a good idea to have a well-stocked first aid kit on hand. Yet, how many times have you gone to the tack room and reached for the cardboard box containing the supplies only to find dust accumulation on it? You can’t remember exactly how long ago it was last used. This might be a good time to slow down and think through carefully before using any of the contents in the box. There are a few important considerations to focus on about medica- tion storage and shelf life to ensure that you do no harm and are able to achieve successful results.
STORAGE STRATEGIES
Above all, aim for cleanliness. This can be accomplished by using a container that seals tightly so everything inside remains in pristine condition. Examples of useful containers are “tackle” boxes that seal well or a plastic container fitted with a snap-on lid.
The next element to consider is temperature – most medications require room temperature storage unless otherwise specified on the bottle. Too much heat or cold may inactivate ingredients. While tempting to store medicines in your tack room, feed room or horse trailer, these areas tend to heat up in summer and freeze in winter. Preferable storage for liquids and pills is at a constant temperature. Some supplies, like elastic-backed bandaging materials, are pretty frustrating to unroll if the sticky has “melted” after being stored in too much warmth.
Thirdly, consider humidity. A damp, warm environment, such as found in your bathroom, has adverse effects on drug stability, thereby speeding up deterioration of many medicines. Storage in a sealed, impermeable container usually protects medications and supplies from changing humidity.
Fourthly, consider light. Products, such as vitamins, need to be stored in the dark to delay degradation. Ultraviolet-sensitive medications are often packaged in a lightproof container, but a dark place is ideal for storage. Also, metal can inactivate some powders or pills, so these are best stored in plastic or paper-lined containers.
Finally, think childproof! This is certainly not the least important consideration and it must be addressed. Wherever you store your first aid kit, be sure neither
children nor small pets can access it. Put it in a locked cupboard or at least place it high up on an inaccessible shelf. Store syringes and needles in a location apart from bottles of liquid medications. Childproof caps are helpful to use on bottles with tablets or capsules. If medications or vaccines must be stored in the refrigerator, figure out a way to keep curious children from harm by accidental injection or ingestion.
DRUG DEGRADATION
When liquid medications sit for a time, it’s not uncommon for sediment to form on the bottom of the bottle. In some cases, these particles contain essential active ingredients that are now no longer mixed in suspension. If shaking is able to return the liquid to an evenly mixed solution, it may be okay to use if still within its expiration date. If in doubt, it’s better to discard it and purchase new product.
Some drug preparations may experience chemical incompatibilities due to interaction with preservatives or solvents within the bottle that alter the pH or are sensitive to heat or cold. This can lead to premature precipitation of sediments or residue, color changes, or formation of gas. Despite no visible changes, such deterioration may cause the drug to be inactive. Similarly, an injectable drug may be absorbed into the plastic walls of a syringe
if stored there for an extended time – then it is possible to administer an inadequate dose.
Keeping medications stored in closed containers helps keep medications and bottles clean and lessens contamination.
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VETERINARY VIEWS