How should nitroglycerin tablets be stored to ensure their effectiveness?

Storing nitroglycerin tablets in their original, unopened containers is the most effective method to ensure their potency and safety. The original packaging is designed to protect the tablets from environmental factors such as light, moisture, and air, which can degrade their effectiveness over time.

Nitroglycerin is particularly sensitive to these elements, and exposure can lead to a reduction in the medication's efficacy, compromising its ability to relieve chest pain. In contrast, storing them in places like a refrigerator, bathroom medicine cabinet, or a drawer with other medications exposes them to conditions that can accelerate deterioration. Therefore, keeping nitroglycerin tablets in their original containers also helps maintain the necessary labeling, which provides important information on usage and expiration, further supporting patient safety and adherence to therapy.