What type of medication needs to be securely locked up?

Narcotics, or controlled substances, require secure locking to prevent misuse, diversion, or accidental ingestion. These medications have a high potential for abuse and can lead to addiction, overdose, or even death when not handled properly. Therefore, regulations and best practices dictate that they must be stored in a manner that is inaccessible to unauthorized individuals, ensuring safety for both the individual receiving the medications and others who may come into contact with them.

In contrast, over-the-counter medications, antibiotics, and vitamins do not generally carry the same level of risk for abuse or misuse, so they typically do not require the same stringent locking and security measures. This makes locking narcotics an essential practice in medication administration to safeguard against potential harm.