Chances are, you or someone you know stores prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs in the bathroom. But experts say this popular spot is actually one of the worst places to keep your medications.

"Bathroom cabinets tend to be very humid," explains Elaine Mackowiak, Ph.D., a pharmacy professor at Temple University. "Opening and closing a pill bottle exposes the drug to moisture which can make it less effective."

Moisture and heat are the primary culprits when it comes to rendering medicines ineffective. A warm, humid environment accelerates a drug's decomposition.

"This is especially true for tablets and capsules. Unnecessary exposure to heat and moisture can cause them to lose their potency prior to their labeled expiration date," says Rondell Jaggers, Pharm.D., a pharmacist at Northside Hospital in Atlanta. For example, a warm, muggy environment can cause aspirin tablets to break down into acetic acid (vinegar) and salicyclic acid, both of which are potential stomach irritants. Pop a decomposed aspirin and you're likely to end up with a bellyache.

Pharmacists advise keeping medicines in a cool, dry place away from the bathroom or kitchen sink and out of a child's reach.

"If you must keep them in the bathroom, always keep the containers tightly closed," suggests Stephen Hoag, Ph.D. "Never repackage them."

If medicines are to be stored in a kitchen, store them away from the stove, sink and any heat-releasing appliances.

In rare cases, an improperly stored medication can actually become toxic. To prevent danger, pharmacists offer these tips:

• Store drugs out of harm's way. Always keep them out of the reach of children.
• Never leave the cotton plug in a medication vial. Doing so can draw moisture into the container.
• Check the expiration date each time you take a drug and replace them with a fresh supply if outdated. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) says you should discard any medications that are out of date.
• Never use a medication that has changed color or consistency, regardless of the expiration date. Color or consistency changes indicate that decomposition has occurred. Throw away any capsules that stick together or are harder or softer than normal and tablets that are cracked or chipped.
• Creams, ointments and solutions that have changed in odor may also have deteriorated.
• Always ask the pharmacist about any specific storage instructions.

TRAVEL TIPS
Travelers need to follow additional tips for safe storage of their medications. Never leave medicines in an automobile, where heat can rapidly destroy the drug. However, you should always make arrangement to have your medicine nearby regardless how far you travel.

"A trip can be instantly spoiled when you realize your medicine is lost," says Nicole Ansani, Pharm.D., associate director of the Drug Information Center at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy.

To prevent your medicine from making a detour while on vacation, Ansani suggests keeping your medicine in a cool, dry place, such as carry-on bag rather than a checked suitcase. Luggage compartments in the belly of the plane can get warm, increasing the chance that your medication may be ruined.

Other tips include:

• Before traveling, list all your medications, including the name and number of your pharmacist and physician.
• Keep an extra supply on hand at all times in case of delays.
• Keep tabs on time changes. Set a separate watch to your usual time so you can remember when to take any medication.

More information on travel tips and safe storage of medicines is available through the American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists at http://www.safemedication.com/www.safemedication.com.