Many people store their medicines in the medicine cabinet in their bathroom. But in reality, this popular medicine storage spot is not the best place to keep your medicine. The bathroom is typically a warm and humid location, which is an environment that can speed up the breakdown process of some drugs. This breakdown can occur whether the medication is in tablet form or capsule.

What can happen is that the exposure to moisture and heat can cause the medication to loss some of its potency even before the drug's expiration date.

Rather than storing your medications in the bathroom, choose a cool and dry place to house your drugs. Don't opt for the kitchen either, where they again will be exposed to heat and possibly moisture.

Store medications high and out of children's reach. A locked cabinet is best. The cotton ball that is used in many medications should be discarded; the cotton ball can draw in moisture into the medication's bottle.

Never store medicines in the car, as a car can heat up to very high temperatures.

If your medication has changed color, texture or has an odor, don't take it. To safely dispose of medications, always discard them in a sealed plastic bag. It's a good idea to mix them with kitty litter or used coffee grounds -- in other words, inedible substances.

Always check expiration dates prior to ingesting a drug. Always store your medications in their original pill container, whether prescribed or over-the-counter. Your pharmacist can tell you about any drug-specific storage requirements.