In many households, however, the medicine cabinet is a collection of old and expired drugs. This may even be dangerous, as drugs that have passed their expiry date may not only lose their effect, but also become harmful.

Tips for correct storage

• Keep your medicine cabinet in a lockable cupboard or box.
• Ensure that it is not accessible to children (put it high up or lock it).
• Choose a sparingly heated, dry room. Note: the bathroom is the wrong place!
• A small cupboard with a freely accessible first aid box and a lockable drug box would be ideal.

It must contain these things

• Personal drugs prescribed by a doctor
• Cold remedies
• Painkillers and antipyretic drugs
• Remedies against diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting
• Remedies for insect bites and sunburn
• Electrolytes to compensate for a loss of fluid
• Thermometer
• Tweezers
• Skin disinfectant
• Wound disinfectant
• Dressing materials. Everything that a DIN 13164 first aid kit (car first aid kit) contains:
  • Gauze compress 
  • Bandage scissors 
  • Sticking plasters and bandages 
  • Triangle bandage

Regularly check the drugs in your medicine cabinet. In the case of drugs without an expiry date, you should make a note of the purchase date. Expired medicines belong in the bin.