I found some Nyquil in a desk drawer and it wasn't until after I swallowed the first pill that I thought to check the expiration date...it expired in December 2001. I didn't take the second pill. Am I going to get sick from it or is it just not going to be effective?
2006-09-04 19:20:09 · 6 answers · asked by Reject187 4 in Health ➔ Other - Health
YOU'LL BE FINE. The expiration dates are just a listing for how long the medication will have it's maximum desired effect.
if you are in further doubt - call your poison control center. It's free and in the phone book.
2006-09-04 19:23:29 · answer #1 · answered by ripperdear6766 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I take old medication all the time. The worse that will happen is that it won't be that effective. But more often it still works.
Expiration dates are somewhat a good marker, but I think the companies put early dates so you have to run out to the store and buy more.
2006-09-04 19:22:05 · answer #2 · answered by Genie♥Angel 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It'll probably be ineffective. I doubt you will get worse. If you feel sicker, then call a doctor but that's unlikely. I'd wait an hour to see if the medicine has any effect. If not, then take the regular dosage. If it does, then take the rest of the dosage (new pills of course).
2006-09-04 19:24:44 · answer #3 · answered by callahan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Expiration dates are notoriously wrong. Huge quantities of meds are given to docs to take to other countries to give away. They are just fine. Med companies are being very conservative. As you say they are a little less effective. Ask you Doc.
2006-09-04 19:23:42 · answer #4 · answered by bigjohn B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
More than likely, the effectiveness has worn off. No harm should come to you.
2006-09-04 19:21:44 · answer #5 · answered by ihaftaknow 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO
2006-09-04 19:24:04 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋