Medicine Expiry Rules: When To Discard Syrups, Eye Drops And Antibiotics After Opening
An explainer on medication safety reveals that while many drugs remain usable until their printed expiry date, certain medicines must be discarded shortly after opening
An explainer on medication safety reveals that while many drugs remain usable until their printed expiry date, certain medicines must be discarded shortly after opening. Doctors and pharmacists warn that opening a container exposes the medicine to air, moisture, and germs, which can lead to a loss of potency and contamination. Eye drops, for instance, are commonly recommended to be thrown away 28 days after opening due to the risk of bacterial growth on the dropper tip.
Similarly, reconstituted liquid antibiotics, which require the addition of water, have a short lifespan and must be discarded within seven to 14 days. Conversely, standard cough, paracetamol, and vitamin syrups, as well as tablets in original blister packs, can generally be used until their expiry date if stored correctly and showing no signs of degradation. The report advises patients to regularly check labels, monitor for changes in colour or texture, and consult a pharmacist regarding the storage and disposal of opened medicines.
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