How are medications affected by changes in environmental factors such as temperature and humidity?

Medications can be significantly impacted by changes in environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. When temperature and humidity levels rise, it can lead to chemical degradation, reduced stability, and altered efficacy of many pharmaceutical products. High temperatures may accelerate the breakdown of active ingredients, while increased humidity can cause tablets to absorb moisture, potentially leading to degradation or crystallization of the active compounds. As a result, medications exposed to adverse environmental conditions often become less effective over time.

While some medications may have specific protections or formulations that ensure a degree of resilience to environmental changes, the general principle is that deviations from recommended storage conditions can compromise their potency and effectiveness. Thus, the understanding that medications can indeed become less effective under certain environmental conditions is crucial for anyone involved in pharmaceutical practices.