It's time for spring cleaning. Yes, that includes the medicine cabinet.
Dr. Mai Lam at Ochsner Health Center in Kenner, a primary care physician taking care of newborns to elderly patients, has the list of essential items, expiration requirements and optimal storage to keep the medicine cabinet fresh and effective.
Watch out for expiration dates
All prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications have an expiration date on the label that is based on testing. The date is the final day that the manufacturer can guarantee the full potency and safety of the drug, if properly stored.
Some studies show that many drugs can still be taken after their expiration date if they are properly stored.
But is it better to be cautious and dispose of expired medication?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is clear on this question. The FDA says using expired medical products is risky and possibly harmful and recommends proper disposal.
The FDA explains that expired medications can be less effective or risky due to change in composition or decrease in strength. Less potent antibiotics can fail to treat infections for example.
Keep it dry. Keep it cool.
Medicine cabinets work for toothpaste and soap, but the humidity in the bathroom or kitchen can be bad for medications. It can cause them to break down more quickly and render them less useful.
In the South, especially in the hotter months in Louisiana, Lam warns that it is important to keep medicines away from direct sunlight -- including cars.
The best place to store most medicines is in a cool, dry and dark area, such as a secure bedside drawer, storage box, closet shelf or kitchen cabinet. Certain medications need to be in the refrigerator.
"It's really important to read the label on the bottle or package and look for specific storage instructions," Lam said.
Consider storing medications away from curious hands -- especially children -- in a locked, tackle-type box to prevent them get into the wrong hands.
"If you have small children, take extra precautions. Some medications come in very pretty colors and storing them out of reach or 'hiding' them may not be good enough," Lam said.
The essentials
"Medications that help with some minor aches and pains, as well as fever reducing medications are really good to have," Lam said of families with patients young and old.
Keep certain medications and supplies in the home for coughs and colds, minor injuries and emergencies.
Here's a checklist Lam recommends having in your home:
Tylenol (acetaminophen)Neosporin (or other antibiotic creams)antacids (like Tums) Imodium (or other anti-diarrhea medication)antiseptic solution to clean cuts (such as Iodine or Betadine)Calamine lotion to treat bug bites and other itchy problems cold and cough medications cold packs or ice packs for injuries or head achescotton balls and swabseye wash and dropsAdvil or Motrin (ibuprofen)laxative petroleum jellyscissors and tweezerssunscreensyrup of ipecac to induce vomitingthermometer
Although it can be tempting to stock up on certain medications, Lam advises to refrain from the multi-packs to avoid expiration before use.
Lam also recommends keeping electrolyte packages (like liquid IV and others) in the medicine cabinet for the hotter months in Louisiana.
"Hydration is key," Lam said. "And electrolyte packets are excellent for fluid replacement when you are sick."
Take inventory at least once a year to replace items that have expired or been used up.