"Don't Throw This Away" Pharmacists Surprised... The 'Small Packet' You Must Keep

Silica Gel in Medicine Bottles
Helps Preserve Medication Effectiveness by Blocking Moisture

Although many people tend to throw away the silica gel packets found inside medicine bottles, experts advise that keeping them together with the medication helps maintain the drug’s efficacy for a longer period.

Pharmacist Kimberly White recently posted a video explaining why silica gel packets should not be discarded. Getty Images

According to The Cool Down, a U.S. lifestyle media outlet, on December 16 (local time), pharmacist Kimberly White, who runs a social media account sharing pharmaceutical information, recently posted a video explaining why silica gel packets should not be discarded.

In the video, she explained the role of silica gel packets labeled "Do Not Eat" found inside prescription and other medicine bottles, recommending that they be kept in place.

Silica gel is a desiccant primarily composed of silicon dioxide (SiO₂). Kimberly explained that silica gel acts as a drying agent by absorbing moisture, which helps keep medication in a dry state. When medication is exposed to moisture, its efficacy may decrease, and silica gel helps prevent such changes.

Silica gel is a desiccant primarily composed of silicon dioxide (SiO₂). Photo by Pixabay

However, she also mentioned the warning label on the silica gel packets, emphasizing, "Silica gel should not be ingested and must be kept out of the reach of children."

One online user commented, "This is the first time I learned about the role of silica gel," expressing that the information was helpful.

The Cool Down stated that storing silica gel together with medicine can be beneficial from an economic perspective. Getty Images

The Cool Down also reported that storing silica gel with medication can be beneficial from an economic perspective. By maintaining the preservation of medication and preventing a decrease in efficacy, silica gel can help reduce unnecessary refills or medication replacements.

According to GoodRx, a U.S. pharmaceutical information site, prescription drug costs have risen by 37% over the past decade, and as of 2024, Americans spent a total of 61 billion dollars out-of-pocket on prescription medications.