Correct observance of the storage conditions of medicines is not just a formality specified in the instructions, but a guarantee their effectiveness and safety for the patient. This is especially true for topical agents, such as Aurobinwhich are used to treat delicate problems, including hemorrhoids and anal fissures. Violation of the temperature regime can lead to a change in the chemical structure of the active substances, which will make the treatment useless or even harmful.
Many users wonder: is it necessary to put away a tube of ointment or a package of candles in the cold, or can they easily lie in a home medicine cabinet? The answer to this question depends on the form of release of the drug and the current temperature in the room. In this article we will analyze in detail how to behave with this medication in different situations in order to preserve its medicinal properties to the last drop.
Temperature: the main factor of safety
The main enemy of most pharmaceutical drugs is heat. Aurobincontaining prednisolone, lidocaine and dexpanthenol is no exception. The basic rule is: the storage temperature should not exceed 25 degrees Celsius. This is a standard requirement for the vast majority of ointments and suppositories presented on the modern market.
If the air temperature in your apartment or house is consistently kept between 18–23 degrees, then there is no need for forced cooling. The drug can be stored in a closed cabinet, away from direct sunlight and heating devices. However, in the summer, when the thermometer rises above comfortable values, the situation changes dramatically.
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to delamination of the ointment base. You may notice that liquid has begun to come out of the tube or the consistency has become uneven. In this case, the use of the medicine is strictly prohibitedas the dosage of the active components in each portion of the ointment will become unpredictable.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that the ointment has changed color, smell or consistency (for example, it has become grainy or too liquid), discard the drug immediately. Using a spoiled product can cause a severe allergic reaction or a chemical burn to the mucous membrane.
Features of storing the ointment Aurobin
Ointment Aurobin is produced in aluminum tubes of 20 grams, packed in cardboard boxes. Such packaging provides sufficient protection from light, but does not protect against extreme temperatures. The instructions clearly state that storage at temperatures up to 25°C is allowed. This means that standard room temperature is optimal.
You can place the ointment in the refrigerator, but it is not necessary if your home is cool. Moreover, cold ointment may be less comfortable to apply, since the fat base will become denser and will be less distributed over the surface. If you do decide to store the tube in the refrigerator (for example, in hot weather), let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before use.
It is important to monitor the integrity of the tube cap. After each use, screw the cap tightly. The entry of air and moisture into the tube can trigger the processes of oxidation or bacterial growth, even if the storage temperature is maintained ideally. Hygiene in this matter plays no less a role than the temperature regime.
- 🌡️ The optimal storage temperature for the ointment is from +15°C to +25°C.
- 🚫 Do not freeze the drug: freezing can destroy the emulsion structure of the base.
- 📦 Store the tube in the original cardboard packaging to protect from accidental light.
- 👐 Always wash your hands before and after use to avoid introducing infection inside tube.
Do I need to hide Aurobin suppositories in the cold
With suppositories (candles), the situation is somewhat different than with ointment. Candles have a fat base that melts at body temperature, but can also begin to soften at temperatures above 25–27 degrees. If you live in a region with a hot climate or your home is very warm, it is best to store candles in the refrigerator. Aurobin Best stored in the refrigerator.
Storing candles in the cold ensures that they retain their torpedo-shaped shape until the time of use. If the candle melts and hardens again, its shape will be distorted, which will make insertion painful and traumatic for inflamed tissues. In addition, re-melting may disrupt the uniform distribution of the active substance.
However, do not place candles in the freezer or on a shelf next to the back wall of the refrigerator, where the temperature can drop below +2°C. Too low a temperature makes the suppository too hard. When introducing such an “ice” suppository, you can damage the mucous membrane of the rectum, which will only worsen the patient’s condition.
☑️ Proper storage of suppositories
Shelf life and their dependence on conditions
Date expiration date Aurobinaindicated on the packaging (usually 2 years from the date of production) is relevant only if all storage rules are observed. If the product has been constantly exposed to high humidity or heat, its actual service life may be significantly reduced. Chemical reactions of degradation of active substances accelerate with increasing temperature.
After opening a tube of ointment, the timing also does not change dramatically, but the risk of microbiological contamination increases. It is recommended to use the opened drug for the treatment period prescribed by your doctor, usually 5-7 days. If there is any ointment left after a course of treatment, and you plan to store it “just in case,” make sure that the tube spout and thread are perfectly clean before closing.
For suppositories, the shelf life is also 2 years. However, if a package of candles was accidentally left in a hot car for several hours in the summer, it is better to throw them away, even if the period has not formally expired. Heat shock to the fatty base of suppositories is often fatal to the quality of the drug.
| Form of release | Storage temperature | Do you need a refrigerator? | Shelf life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ointment (tube 20 g) | up to +25°C | No (only if the room is hot) | 2 years |
| Candles (suppositories) | up to +25°C | Preferably at t > +25°C | 2 years |
| Opened packaging | up to +25°C | Close tightly | Until the end of the course of treatment |
What you absolutely cannot do with the drug
There are a number of common mistakes that patients make when trying to “improve” storage conditions or simply through carelessness. The first and most serious mistake is freezing the drug. Some people believe that the colder it is, the better the medicine will be preserved. This is a misconception: ice crystals formed when the aqueous phase of the emulsion freezes break the bonds between molecules, irreversibly spoiling the structure of the ointment.
The second mistake is storage in the bathroom. Despite the fact that it Aurobin is used to treat hygiene-related diseases, the bathroom itself is the worst place for a first aid kit. Constant temperature changes and high humidity create ideal conditions for the growth of mold and bacteria, which can get into the tube when opening.
The third mistake is pouring or transferring the drug into other containers. The ointment should remain in the original aluminum tube, and the suppositories should remain in the original blister packaging. Plastic containers or jars for cosmetics may react chemically with the components of the drug or may not provide the necessary seal.
⚠️ Attention: Never store medications in places accessible to children and pets. Bright packaging can attract the attention of a child, and accidental swallowing of an ointment or candle is life-threatening.
What to do if the candle is deformed?
If the candle has lost its shape, but has not changed color or smell, you can try to give it the shape of a torpedo right in the package by cooling in cold (not ice) water. However, the guarantee of sterility and uniformity of dosage is lost in this case. It’s better not to risk it and use a new candle.
Signs of a spoiled drug
How to understand that Aurobin has gone bad? Visual and tactile inspection is the first step. The ointment should be homogeneous, white or slightly yellowish in color, without foreign inclusions. The appearance of a gray or greenish tint, as well as mold on the nose of the tube, indicates that the drug is infected with microorganisms.
Smell is the second indicator. The original drug has a weak specific odor, characteristic of medicinal substances. If you smell rancid oil, acid, or rot, do not use the product. This indicates that the fat base has oxidized.
Also pay attention to the packaging. If the aluminum tube is swollen, this is a sign of gas formation inside, which may be the result of chemical reactions or bacterial activity. In such cases, the drug poses a direct threat to health and must be disposed of immediately.
- 👀 Discoloration (appearance of dark spots, greying).
- 💧 Delamination: release of oily liquid on the surface of the ointment.
- 👃 Appearance of unpleasant, sharp or rancid odor.
- 📉 Change in consistency: the ointment has become too liquid or, on the contrary, has dried out.
Rules for transporting medicine
The issue of storage often arises not only at home, but also on the road. If you buy Aurobin in the summer or take it on vacation, you need to comply with the same temperature standards. When transporting in a car, do not leave the drug in the cabin in direct sunlight, especially on the front panel or seats. The temperature inside the car can reach 50–60 degrees even on a cloudy day.
It is best to transport the medicine in a cooler bag or simply in an opaque bag placed in the shade. If you are traveling by plane, ointments and suppositories can be taken in hand luggage (if the tube volume is up to 100 ml), but it is worth considering that the temperature in the luggage compartment can drop below zero. Therefore, always keep important medications with you.
Remember that a short-term increase in temperature (for example, while you are carrying a package home from the pharmacy) is not as scary as a long stay in the heat. The main thing is not to leave the drug in “heat traps” for a long time.
Can Aurobin be stored in the freezer?
No, Aurobin cannot be frozen. Low temperatures destroy the emulsion structure of the ointment and can change the crystal lattice of the active substances. After defrosting, the drug may separate and lose effectiveness.
What to do if the ointment freezes during the cold season?
If the ointment accidentally freezes (for example, during delivery), let it warm up slowly at room temperature. Do not try to heat it on a radiator or in hot water. After warming, mix the contents thoroughly (if the tube allows) and check for uniformity. If the structure is damaged, throw it away.
How long can an opened tube be stored?
Formally, the expiration date is indicated on the packaging (2 years). However, doctors recommend using an opened tube for one course of treatment (usually 5-7 days). Long-term storage of opened ointment increases the risk of bacteria getting inside the tube.
Does light affect the properties of Aurobin?
Yes, direct sunlight can accelerate the degradation of some components. That is why the drug is produced in opaque aluminum tubes and cardboard boxes. It should be stored in a place protected from light.