- Keep all medications in their original containers with childproof lids attached.
- Mark out the patient’s name on the prescription container.
- Place liquids in a sealable plastic bag in case it leaks or breaks.
- Put all medications being disposed of in a sturdy container (for example, a plain brown box).
- Add a non-toxic but bad-tasting product like cayenne pepper to the container.
- Make this container the last thing you put in the garbage before pick-up.
Mark Your Calendar
Now that your medicine cabinet is clean and current, mark your calendar and plan to check it on a regular basis (quarterly or semi-annually). Once you’ve done the first big cleanout and gotten rid of years' worth of old medicine, subsequent check-ups shouldn’t take much time at all. And the health and safety of you and your family is certainly worth the time.
Sources:
“National Medicine Cabinet Safety Campaign.” Senior Living Magazine. November, 2000.
“Throw Away Your Old Medicines Safely.” Institute for Safe Medication Practices. 2004.
Last updated: September 30, 2007
