5-15-12 REFRIDGERATION pg.325 Flashcards
Refrigeration
Some drugs must be stored at a constant temp. in a controlled commercial refrigerator designed for medications. If refrigerated or frozen medications are left out for a period of time longer than stated in the literature, they may begin to break down chemically and/or lose potency. Commercial refrigerators and freezers have gauges on the outside that indicate the internal temp. and allow it to be monitored. The temp. of refrigeration should generally be 40-42•F.
The refrigerator or freezer should be plugged into a wall receptacle that is marked for emergency use and will switch to emergency power generators if there is a power failure. If any medication is left out of refrigeration beyond the recommendations of the manufacturer, it should be discarded.
