Sounds similar, right? But they mean very different things—and ignoring them can make your medicine useless.
Let’s decode this in simple terms
You might have seen these two labels:
- “Store in a cool place”
- “Refrigerate between 2–8°C”
They’re not interchangeable!
- “Cool place” = 8°C to 25°C
This means room temperature—but not in direct sunlight or near heat.
Common medicines:
- Tablets
- Capsules
- Syrups
- Creams
Don’t keep them in the fridge unless advised.
Too cold = moisture damage or chemical breakdown.
“Refrigerate” = 2°C to 8°C
These are temperature-sensitive drugs that need the cold chain maintained.
Common examples:
- Insulin
- Vaccines
- Certain eye drops
- Biologics
Always store in the middle shelf of the fridge—not the door, not the freezer.
Why does this matter?
Improper storage can lead to:
- Loss of potency
- Reduced effectiveness
- Risk of adverse effects (especially injectables)
The medicine might look fine but won’t work properly.
Quick Tips
- “Cool & dry place” = 8–25°C
- “Refrigerate” = 2–8°C
- “Do not freeze” = Seriously! Freezing can destroy many drugs
Always ask your pharmacist if you’re unsure!
Read also:
- How to Prevent Medication Error?
- Over-utilization of Proton-Pump Inhibitors
- Compounding Pharmacy Violations Which Put Patients at Risk
Resource Person: Dev Soni