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how long does it take tetracycline to be expired?

2007-02-26 17:56:29 · 7 answers · asked by Vani R 3 in Health Other - Health

7 answers

If it's more than one year old, toss it. Also, if you don't take the whole prescription of antibiotics, they aren't going to work for you anyway.
Throw them out and see a doctor.

2007-03-06 03:36:27 · answer #1 · answered by Kbear 4 · 0 0

You should not take TCN that you have had lying around the house since your last infection. When a drug is produced, the company dates it for potency based on very strict storage conditions. The expiration date is based on studies which show when the effectiveness of the active ingredient will begin to decay and the dosage is affected. If you have had this stuck in the medicine cabinent, there is no way to tell if it will even be effective. It could also be very dangerous. Expired TCN can be damaging to kidneys. It is also not good practice to self medicate with any antibiotic, because you do not know if it will be effective against whatever bacteria you have. Although TCN is a broad spectrum antibiotic, it is not a one item kills all medication. You also should take it for a full 10 days to be sure all the bacteria is killed- and having only a partial dose is not good enough. Do not take any medication you have not recently been prescribed. Medications which you take on a regular basis will have the expiration date marked on the label, usually somewhere on the bottom. This doesn't apply to antibiotics though. Those need to be fresh, and tossed away when you are done. By the way- ignore the first answer. I don't know what planet he's from, but TCN is still a safe and effective antibiotic.

2007-02-26 18:10:14 · answer #2 · answered by The mom 7 · 0 0

It is now used only in livestock, and NOT USED FOR HUMANS ANYMORE. Causes a lot of side effects. Drugs usually have around 3 years expiration from date of manufacture.

2007-02-26 18:03:16 · answer #3 · answered by Dr. Doom 2 · 0 1

Tetracycline, is used to treat bacterial infections, including pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections; acne; infections of skin, genital and urinary systems; and the infection that causes stomach ulcers (Helicobacter pylori). It also may be used as an alternative to other medications for the treatment of Lyme disease and for the treatment and prevention of anthrax (after inhalational exposure). Tetracycline is in a class of medications called tetracycline antibiotics.It works by preventing the growth and spread of bacteria.Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

Tetracycline comes as a capsule and suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken two to four times daily. Tetracycline should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals or snacks. Drink a full glass of water with each dose of tetracycline. Do not take tetracycline with food, especially dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take tetracycline exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly.

Before taking tetracycline,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tetracycline, minocycline, doxycycline, sulfites, or any other medications.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take, especially antacids, anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), and penicillin. Tetracycline may decrease the effectiveness of some oral contraceptives; another method of birth control should be used while taking this drug.
be aware that antacids, calcium supplements, iron products, and laxatives containing magnesium interfere with tetracycline, making it less effective. Take tetracycline 1 hour before or 2 hours after antacids (including sodium bicarbonate), calcium supplements, and laxatives containing magnesium. Take tetracycline 2 hours before or 3 hours after iron preparations and vitamin products that contain iron.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes, allergies, asthma, hay fever, hives, or kidney or liver disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking tetracycline, call your doctor immediately. Tetracycline can harm the fetus.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking tetracycline.
plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Tetracycline may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
you should know that when tetracycline is used during pregnancy or in babies or children up to age 8, it can cause the teeth to become permanently stained. Tetracycline should not be used in children under age 8 unless your doctor decides it is needed.

Tetracycline may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

upset stomach
diarrhea
itching of the rectum or vagina
sore mouth
redness of the skin (sunburn)
changes in skin color

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

severe headache
blurred vision
skin rash
hives
difficulty breathing or swallowing
yellowing of the skin or eyes
itching
dark-colored urine
light-colored bowel movements
loss of appetite
upset stomach
vomiting
stomach pain
extreme tiredness or weakness
confusion
joint stiffness or swelling
unusual bleeding or bruising
decreased urination
pain or discomfort in the mouth
throat sores
fever or chills

Keep this medication in the container it came in. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.

The original packet will record its use by / expiry date.

2007-02-26 18:06:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

As with any medication, the time varies. You should not take a prescription medication if it's over a year old from the time you filled it.

2007-03-06 09:16:35 · answer #5 · answered by kbib12 3 · 0 0

It has alredy expired because it produces genetical deformity so it is not used in even rarest of rare cases.

2007-02-26 17:59:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0 1

should be used by date on the bottle IF NOT DITCH THE ***** and if your playing with this stuff u better be a doctor

2007-03-06 13:33:03 · answer #7 · answered by works 4 me 3 · 0 0

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