Why must certain medications be kept in their original container?

Keeping certain medications in their original container is essential primarily due to the need for protection from degradation and moisture. Many pharmaceutical products are formulated to be stable only within specific packaging that protects them from environmental factors. The original container usually provides a barrier to moisture, light, and air, which can degrade the effectiveness of the medication over time. For example, certain antibiotics and other sensitive formulations may break down or lose potency when exposed to humidity or light, necessitating the continued use of the original container for safe storage.

While other considerations such as theft prevention or compliance with regulations are relevant to medication handling, they do not address the critical issue of maintaining the integrity of the medication as effectively as protecting it from degradation and moisture.