Many medicines include instructions to store at room temperature.
This does not simply mean that the medicine can be kept anywhere inside your home. Temperature, moisture, light, and the specific storage instructions for the product can all matter.
What Temperature Is Considered Room Temperature?
The exact storage range depends on the medication.
Many U.S. prescription drug labels specify a controlled room-temperature range around 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), while some products allow temporary exposure to a somewhat wider temperature range.
Always follow the storage range listed for the specific medicine rather than assuming that every product has the same requirements.
Does Room Temperature Mean Anywhere in the House?
Not necessarily.
Areas of a home can become much hotter, colder, or more humid than the rest of the room.
For example, it may be inappropriate to leave medicines:
- Next to a stove or heater
- In direct sunlight
- In a very humid location
- In a car exposed to extreme temperatures
- Near other sources of excessive heat
Some drug labels also contain specific instructions to protect the medicine from moisture or light.
Should Medicines Be Stored in the Bathroom?
A bathroom medicine cabinet may seem convenient, but bathrooms can experience significant humidity and temperature changes.
If a medicine needs protection from moisture, another appropriate location may be preferable.
Follow the product label and ask a pharmacist if you are unsure where to store a particular medicine.
Does “Room Temperature” Mean the Medicine Should Never Be Refrigerated?
Do not automatically refrigerate a medicine just because you think cooler storage may preserve it better.
Some medicines require refrigeration, some should remain at room temperature, and some products specifically should not be refrigerated.
FDA labeling guidance recognizes special storage statements such as “Refrigerate,” “Do not Refrigerate,” and “Protect from Light.”
What If the Medicine Gets Too Hot or Too Cold?
The answer depends on the medication, the temperature involved, and how long the medicine was exposed.
Do not assume that a medicine is safe or unusable based only on its appearance.
If a medicine has been left in a hot car, frozen accidentally, or stored outside its recommended range, ask a pharmacist or the manufacturer whether it should still be used.
What About Medicines That Need Refrigeration?
Refrigerated medicines have their own storage requirements.
Some products must remain refrigerated until use, while others may be kept at room temperature for a limited period after opening or dispensing.
The allowable time and temperature are product-specific, so follow the instructions provided with that medicine. FDA labeling reviews show that storage conditions and permitted room-temperature periods can differ substantially among products.
Should Medicines Stay in Their Original Container?
Unless you have been given different instructions, keeping a medicine in its properly labeled container can help you retain important information such as:
- The medicine name
- Strength
- Directions
- Expiration information
- Storage instructions
Some medicines also require containers that help protect them from light or moisture.
When to Ask a Pharmacist
Ask a pharmacist if:
- You are unsure what “room temperature” means for your medicine
- The medicine was exposed to extreme heat or cold
- The medicine was accidentally frozen
- You are unsure whether it should be refrigerated
- The storage instructions are missing or unclear
- The medicine looks different after being stored improperly
Bottom Line
“Store at room temperature” does not mean that every indoor location is suitable for a medicine.
Storage requirements vary by product, and some medicines also need protection from heat, moisture, light, refrigeration, or freezing.
Always follow the storage instructions for the specific medicine.
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — Unit Dose Labeling for Solid and Liquid Oral Dosage Forms.
- DailyMed — RESTORIL (temazepam) prescribing information and Medication Guide.
- DailyMed — AMBIEN (zolpidem tartrate) prescribing information.
- DailyMed — VALIUM (diazepam) prescribing information.