Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication prescribed to manage various conditions, primarily by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune response. It is frequently used to treat severe allergies, asthma flare-ups, and chronic inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease. Proper storage is paramount to ensure the medication retains its intended strength and therapeutic effect. The required storage environment varies significantly depending on the medication’s form, meaning the storage rules for the common tablet differ from those for the liquid suspension.
Standard Storage Rules for Prednisone Tablets
Prednisone tablets typically do not require refrigeration and remain stable at standard room temperatures. Keep tablets at a controlled room temperature, defined as between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). The medicine can briefly tolerate temperatures up to 86°F (30°C), but should be returned to a controlled environment afterward.
Protecting the tablets from excessive heat, moisture, and light prevents chemical breakdown. Storing medication in high humidity rooms, such as a bathroom medicine cabinet, is discouraged because moisture accelerates degradation. Keep the tablets in the original, tightly closed container, placed in a cool, dry location like a bedroom dresser.
Specific Handling for Liquid Prednisone Suspensions
Liquid forms of prednisone, including oral solutions and suspensions, have different storage requirements and are the primary source of confusion regarding refrigeration. Unlike tablets, liquid formulations are often less chemically stable or have a shorter shelf life once prepared. Storage instructions vary significantly by brand and whether the solution was commercially prepared or compounded, so the pharmacist’s label must be read carefully.
Many commercially available liquid solutions, or those requiring reconstitution, often require refrigeration to maintain potency and stability. Refrigeration slows the chemical reactions that cause the drug to degrade, preserving effectiveness. A compounded suspension might be stable for up to 90 days, while other formulations may only be stable for 14 to 30 days once mixed.
Prior to measuring a dose, liquid suspensions must be shaken well to ensure the prednisone particles are evenly distributed for accurate dosage. Note the preparation or expiration date printed on the bottle. The liquid should be discarded once it reaches this date, as potency cannot be guaranteed even with correct storage.
Signs of Medication Degradation and When to Discard
Recognizing signs of medication degradation helps ensure effectiveness and safety. For tablets, visual signs that the drug may have been compromised include discoloration, cracking, chipping, or crumbling. Any unusual or strong odor emanating from the container is also a sign that the medication’s chemical structure may have changed.
Liquid suspensions show degradation through changes in texture or appearance. Signs of compromise include cloudiness, visible particles that do not dissolve upon shaking, or a failure of the suspension to mix properly. Taking expired or visibly compromised medication is never recommended because the drug may have lost its therapeutic effect or potentially developed harmful byproducts. The best practice for disposal is to use local drug take-back programs or community disposal kiosks.