⚕️Care Handbook

Medication Storage Requirements

Correct storage of medication is essential to ensure it remains effective and safe. Storage that is too hot, too cold, or too humid can degrade medication and make it dangerous or ineffective.

General Storage Requirements

  • 1.All medication must be stored in a locked cupboard or trolley that is dedicated to medicines storage only
  • 2.The medicine cupboard must be fixed to the wall or floor and kept locked when not in use
  • 3.Keys to the medicine cupboard must be held by authorised staff only — keys must be kept on the person, not left on surfaces or in drawers
  • 4.Medication must be stored at the temperature specified by the manufacturer — check labels for storage instructions
  • 5.Room-temperature medication should be stored below 25°C (or as stated on the label)
  • 6.Regular temperature monitoring of the medicine storage area is recommended
  • 7.External medicines (creams, lotions, shampoos) must be stored separately from internal medicines
  • 8.Medication for different residents must be clearly separated and labelled
  • 9.Discontinued or expired medication must be removed promptly and returned to the pharmacy for destruction
  • 10.Controlled drugs must be stored in a separate, dedicated locked CD cabinet (Schedule 2) — see Controlled Drugs section

Refrigerated Medication Storage

  • 1.Medication requiring refrigeration must be stored between 2°C and 8°C
  • 2.A dedicated medication fridge is required — medication must never be stored in a food fridge
  • 3.Fridge temperature must be monitored and recorded at least once daily (ideally at the start and end of each shift)
  • 4.If the fridge temperature falls outside 2–8°C, contact the pharmacist for advice — do not administer medication that may have been compromised
  • 5. Fridges must be lockable or kept in a locked medication room
  • 6.Do not overfill the fridge — air must circulate to maintain even temperature
  • 7.Common fridge items: insulin, some antibiotics, some eye drops, some vaccines
  • 8.Insulin in current use may be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days (check manufacturer's guidance)

Common fridge medications:Insulin (most types), some antibiotics (e.g. amoxicillin suspension after reconstitution), some eye drops (e.g. chloramphenicol), some vaccines (influenza, COVID-19), certain liquids (e.g. some morphine solutions, some calcium supplements). Always check the label — if it says “Store in refrigerator” or “Store at 2–8°C”, it must go in the fridge.

Controlled Drug Storage

  • 1.Schedule 2 CDs must be stored in a locked CD cabinet that conforms to the Misuse of Drugs (Safe Custody) Regulations 1973
  • 2.The CD cabinet must be fixed to the fabric of the building (wall or floor)
  • 3.CD keys must be held by authorised staff only and kept on the person at all times
  • 4.When the home is closed (night), CD keys should be held by the senior person on duty
  • 5.CD stock counts must be performed at each shift change and the running balance confirmed by two authorised staff
  • 6.Any discrepancy in CD stock must be investigated immediately and reported to the manager and potentially the CQC
  • 7.Schedule 3 CDs (e.g. temazepam, pregabalin, gabapentin) do not require a CD cabinet but must be stored in a locked medicine cupboard

Temperature Monitoring

Temperature monitoring is a key part of safe medication storage. Recommended practice:

  • •Medication room temperature should be recorded daily — ideally between 15°C and 25°C (check specific product requirements)
  • •Fridge temperature must be recorded at least once daily (minimum–maximum thermometer recommended)
  • •If room temperature exceeds 25°C for a prolonged period, check with the pharmacist whether medication is still safe to use
  • •Record any temperature breaches and the action taken (e.g. “pharmacist contacted — medication safe to continue” or “medication replaced”)
  • •During hot weather, consider additional measures: close curtains, use fans, or request air conditioning in the medication room

Self-Administration of Medication

Some residents may self-administer medication where a risk assessment has been completed and the resident has been assessed as having capacity and the ability to do so safely (in line with CQC Regulation 12 and NICE Guideline SC1). Self-administered medication should still be stored securely unless the risk assessment supports the resident keeping it in their room (e.g. in a locked drawer). A record of self-administered medication must still be maintained on the MAR chart (coded “S”).