We all have that one cabinet filled with leftover medications, old prescriptions, and random medical supplies.
Some of them are neatly organized, while others are a chaotic mix of nearly-empty bottles, tubes, and half-used packs of pills.
But how often do we actually check expiration dates? If you’re like most people, probably not very often.
However, it’s crucial to pay attention, as some expired products can be ineffective or even dangerous.
Let’s break down what you can safely use and what you should toss.
Low-Risk Medicines You Can Keep for a While Longer
Tablets That Can Still Do Their Job
Common medications like paracetamol and ibuprofen typically have a long shelf life, especially when kept in their original blister packs.
The airtight packaging keeps out oxygen, which helps preserve their potency.
While they’re likely safe for a few months after their expiration date, they may not work as well, so it’s better to replace them if they’re part of your regular routine.
Antidepressants, antihistamines like Piriton, and steroids such as prednisolone generally won’t cause harm if they’re past their expiration date.
However, they could lose their effectiveness, so it’s a good idea to replace them if needed for serious health conditions.
Long-Lasting Powders and Wipes
Some products can survive much longer than expected.
For example, powdered electrolyte sachets like Dioralyte, which are used for dehydration or diarrhea, have a low risk of degradation.
Likewise, antiseptic wipes are usually fine to use even after they expire.
While they may dry out over time, a little water can bring them back to life.
Vitamins That May Not Be Harmful but Won’t Help Much Either
Out-of-date vitamins, such as vitamin C, are unlikely to harm you, but they may become ineffective.
Over time, vitamins can oxidize and change color, indicating they’ve lost some of their potency.
Supplements that dissolve in water tend to degrade faster, so they may be less effective once they’ve passed their expiration date.
Medium-Risk Products You Should Be Cautious With
Antibiotics That Could Lose Potency or Pose a Risk
Antibiotics in tablet form can remain effective for up to five years after their expiry date, but only if they’re in sealed blister packs.
If they’re in open bottles, the oxygen can alter their composition, making them less potent.
Liquid antibiotics, however, should always be discarded after their expiration date, as they can become contaminated with bacteria, leading to serious health risks.
It’s also important to dispose of leftover antibiotics properly.
Never flush them down the toilet or pour them down the sink, as this can lead to environmental contamination and contribute to the rise of drug-resistant bacteria.
Instead, take them to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.
Outdated Plasters and Bandages
The adhesive and sterility of plasters degrade over time, making them less reliable for covering wounds.
While they may still provide some protection in a pinch, you should replace them with fresh bandages as soon as possible to reduce the risk of infection.
High-Risk Products You Must Dispose Of
Aspirin That Smells Like Vinegar
Aspirin in bottles that have been opened can degrade when exposed to oxygen.
If you notice a strong, vinegar-like smell, it’s a sign that the aspirin is no longer safe to use.
Consuming expired aspirin can potentially damage the lining of your stomach, so it’s best to toss it if you detect any strange odors.
Creams and Ointments That Can Cause Serious Infections
Steroid creams and other ointments for skin conditions have a long shelf life, but once opened, they should be used within three to six months.
Using them on broken skin or open wounds could introduce bacteria into the body, increasing the risk of infections.
Eye Drops and Cough Syrup That Can Become Contaminated
After you open a bottle of eye drops, the risk of bacterial contamination increases.
Therefore, eye drops should be discarded 28 days after opening.
It’s a good idea to mark the date you first use them so you know when it’s time to dispose of them.
Cough syrup is another product that’s often left open for long periods.
Like eye drops, it can become contaminated with bacteria, potentially leading to infections.
Always throw out any unused cough syrup after six months.
When in Doubt, Throw It Out
As a general rule, if you’re unsure whether a medication is still safe to use, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and dispose of it.
While some expired medicines might still work, they won’t be as effective, and some could even harm you.
Keeping your medicine cabinet organized and regularly checking expiration dates can help you avoid health risks and ensure you’re using only safe, effective products.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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