When you have a headache, a fever, or any other medical condition, you rely on medicines to make you feel better. Over time, our medicine cabinets can become cluttered with expired drugs and forgotten prescriptions.
Many people wonder if such medicines are still safe and effective to use. This article will address the truth behind expired medications.
What Does an Expiration Date Mean?
An expiration date is the date after which a medication is no longer guaranteed to be safe or effective. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all prescription and over-the-counter medications have an expiration date.
The expiration date is based on the drug’s chemical stability, potency, and purity.
Can Expired Medicines Still Be Used?
The answer is, it depends. Some expired medicines are safe to use, while others can be harmful. The effectiveness of a medication may decrease over time, which could make it less effective or not effective at all.
Expired medicines may also be harmful due to chemical changes that occur as the drugs break down over time.
Medications That Should Not Be Used Expired
The following medications should be discarded once they have expired:.
- Liquid antibiotics
- Insulin
- EpiPen
- Nitroglycerin
- Tetracycline
- Doxycycline
- Glyceryl trinitrate spray
- Oral contraceptives
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications
These medications can be harmful if used after their expiration date. For example, expired liquid antibiotics can be contaminated by bacteria that could make you sick.
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Medications That Can Be Used Expired
The following medications can generally be used after their expiration date:.
- Pain relievers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen
- Cold and allergy medications such as pseudoephedrine, loratadine, and diphenhydramine
- Antihistamines such as cetirizine and fexofenadine
- Cough medicines such as dextromethorphan
- Topical treatments such as creams and ointments
These medications may be less effective after their expiration date, but they are not likely to be harmful. However, it is always important to check with your healthcare provider before using any expired medication.
Proper Medication Storage
The best way to ensure medication safety is proper storage. Medications should be kept in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and excessive heat. It is also important to keep medication out of reach of children and pets.
When storing medication in the bathroom, it is important to note that moisture from showers and baths can cause pills and capsules to break down faster. For this reason, it is best to store medications outside of the bathroom in a cool, dry place.
Conclusion
Expired medications can be safe to use, depending on the type of medication and how long it has been expired. However, it is always best to check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before using any expired medication.
Proper medication storage is also important to ensure that medications maintain their effectiveness and do not harm you or your loved ones.
