One of the most frequent questions people have is whether it is safe to take medications, whether prescription or over the counter, after the expiration date printed or stamped on the side of the container. Studies made by prominent laboratories have found that not only to medications loose much of their effectiveness after the noted date, but may even be outright dangerous to one’s health. This warning is particularly true for prescription meds such as antibiotics which can change in composition and become dangerous, it not lethal to the person taking them.
Antibiotics, especially those in the penicillin and tetracycline groups can deteriorate as well as change in composition. Expired tetracycline can cause a skin infection that can be deadly, especially to those who are already sensitive to taking antibiotics. It is also recommended not to take iron supplements, multi-vitamins, of antacids with in two hours of taking a tetracycline based medication as its effectiveness will be significantly reduced.
Analgesics such as aspirin and similar medications loose their effectiveness significantly after they have become expired. They can also interact with other medications such as certain antacids, and like antibiotics should never be taken with alcohol.
Many types of medications are also affected by increased temperatures and high humidity in bathrooms; and as such, it is recommended to keep these medications away from exposure to heat and moisture. Even a kitchen cabinet can be too warm to store meds requiring a “cool, dry place”, as kitchen cabinets can absorb heat, as well as moisture from cooking appliances and dishwashers.
As expired medications are sometimes kept in family medicine cabinets along with more current meds, it is recommended to inspect the place where these items are stored at lest twice per year. All expired medicines and related items, including medicinal ointments, should be discarded immediately; and medications should be kept in a place where they are not reachable by small children.
It is also important not to use another person’s medication, especially a prescription one as it may have been prescribed specifically for a particular ailment that is not related to the one someone else takes the medication for.
A safe slogan to remember regarding expired or questionable meds: “when in doubt, throw it out!”
Tags: health, medicine, naturalRelated posts
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