Can medicines withstand a few hours in a hot car? Yes, even medicines that should be stored at 25–30 °C can withstand higher temperatures for a short time without affecting their quality or safety. This applies, for example, when medicines are kept briefly in a hot car. Most medicines in tablet form can withstand a few hot summer days.

The package leaflet explains how the medicine should be stored to ensure its safety and effectiveness. Storage conditions and shelf life can vary considerably depending on the medicine, so it is always safest to follow its instructions. The package leaflet contains detailed information about whether the medicine can withstand heat.

Medicines that should normally be stored at room temperature do not need to be refrigerated. Some medicines must not be refrigerated if they are sensitive to moisture.

Some liquid medicines and creams can be sensitive to both heat and cold.

Most medicines should be stored:

• Out of the sight and reach of children

• In a cool, dry place

• In their original packaging

• Preferably in a locked medicine cabinet

See also

• Storage of medicines and storage conditions