please state what will happen instead of its good/bad for you.
2006-11-12 14:09:20 · 9 answers · asked by blue_bee 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
It smells like vinegar b/c it has decomposed into salicylic acid and acetic acid. Acetic acid is essentially vinegar. It will still work as an analgesic (pain reliever) but it will no longer have an effect on platelet aggregation - blood clotting. Aspirin will normally (when not expired) help "thin" the blood - an important role when someone is having a heart attack. If you give someone an expired aspirin that is having a heart attack, it will not help to save thier life. Also, since the tablet is now more acidic from decomposition, it can (and most likely will) cause stomach upset.
2006-11-12 15:05:56 · answer #1 · answered by Lucy P 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
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Aspirin can be made by reacting acetic acid with salicylic acid to produce acetylsalicylic acid, the same procedure used by Dr. Hoffman nearly a century ago. When acetylsalicylic acid ages, it may decompose and return to salicylic acid and acetic acid. If you have an old bottle of aspirin around the house, open it and take a sniff. It may smell like vinegar, because vinegar is dilute acetic acid. But don't take it. Vinegar as it says above, is a dilute form of acetic acid. Its not healthful when concentrated. Just ditch it and buy a new bottle!
2016-04-10 09:59:03 · answer #2 · answered by Cynthia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aspirin is acetyl salicilate. Acetic acid is a breakdown product of aspirin, when it get's old. Mild acetic acid, in water, is vinegar (~5%), hence the smell. Salicyclic acid is the other breakdown product. Neither, in the concentrations found in old aspirin, are dangerous.
Although old and a lowered effectiveness, it should be safe to take.
2006-11-12 14:36:49 · answer #3 · answered by Radagast97 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
nothing.
aspirin (acetyl salicylic acid) normally smells that like vinegar (acetic acid ;) as it breaks down in the presence of water. it doesn't have the potency that it once had, but nothing bad will happen aside from your headache not getting any better :)
aspirin's shelf life is around 6 months....unless if you keep it in the bathroom (where it is warm and wet :) ) - then it will be be less than that.
2006-11-12 14:26:45 · answer #4 · answered by mikesheppard 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NOTHING is going to happen to you. If it was dangerous to consume expired aspirin, then the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) would make it very clear to the public that it is dangerous.
With that said, its POINTLESS to take expired aspirin, or any expired over the counter medicine, because the effectiveness is just not there anymore.
Throw it out, relax.
2006-11-12 14:26:59 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
1
2017-02-19 16:07:23 · answer #6 · answered by whalen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh, babe, if in doubt, throw it out!
I doubt any medical company has done extensive research on what happens if a patient eats vinegary aspirin -- and it's so cheap you shouldn't take the risk.
If you need it now, there are older things that can help until someone can get some fresh aspirin: cold compress, lukewarm sponge bath to reduce fever, RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) for a sprained anything, dark room and a cold washcloth on the forehead for a headache.
Just don't take the aspirin, and don't give it to anyone. If you have given it to someone, call the poison control center and ask what you should do -- wait and see, or get to an emergency room.
2006-11-12 14:19:56 · answer #7 · answered by Madame M 7 · 0⤊ 5⤋
You shouldnt take any expired medicine! Dont know what would really happen though. Its effectiveness wheres off little by little after experation.
2016-03-19 07:01:58 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could make you very sick & with an upset stomache
2006-11-12 14:16:57 · answer #9 · answered by sugarbdp1 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nothing! maybe get sick to your stomach
2006-11-12 14:46:09 · answer #10 · answered by rpoker 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋