What temperature range should most medications be stored at?

Most medications should be stored at a temperature range of 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) because this range helps maintain the stability, efficacy, and safety of a wide variety of pharmaceutical products. Many medications are designed and tested to be stable at ambient room temperatures, which correspond to this range. Storing medications within this temperature helps prevent degradation or loss of potency that can occur when they are exposed to excessive heat or cold.

Other temperature ranges mentioned may be appropriate for specific types of medications. For example, certain vaccines or biologics might require refrigeration (0°C to 5°C), but this is not the general requirement for most pharmaceuticals. The ranges below 15°C or above 25°C can lead to compromised efficacy, increasing the risk of adverse reactions or treatment failures. Therefore, understanding the most appropriate storage conditions is crucial for the safe handling of medications and ensuring they remain effective for patient use.