Can the antibiotic Cephalexin expire? (ie. go bad)?

Question

Hello,

I have a prescription of cephalexin which doesn't seem to have an expiry date. Can this antibiotic go bad / become ineffective?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Any prescription you may buy should have an expiration date on the bottle itself, but this dose not always apply to the medicine itself it could apply to the refills on the bottle.
I wouldn't say that the medicine itself expires, but yes it will lose its strength over time.

Answer 2

No, no, and no. You will kill your cat or at minimum damage the liver permanently. You cannot give a cat human meds without a vet's suggestion. It sounds like he has some form of an allergic reaction. Sometimes it's caused by fleas, but there are also cats who get itchy and scratch themselves into open sores during the winter and summer months. Usually a weather change brings this on. No vet visit is $150. Usually the office visit is around $40-45, and then meds run another $20. The only thing that might cost more would be testing, which you can discuss with your vet. They don't force anything on you. You can try using Neosporin on the area. You use a little tiny bit, and rub it in thoroughly. It is safe for cats in small amounts. Once a day should suffice. Keep the area clean by using a shampoo for deflaking, but you have to rinse the area well. Rather than give the cat a whole entire bath, just wash that area specifically with a washcloth and then rinse the area with a wet washcloth. When you have to perform frequent washing (daily) this is the best way. Use warm (not hot) water and dry thoroughly when you're done. Let the area dry completely, then put on the Neosporin. Make sure you're gentle or the area will get sore. Selsun Blue dandruff shampoo can be used on cats in small amounts, but I've discovered regular Baby Shampoo does a great job. I've had cats with staff infections, bacterial infections from a bite, allergies, and flea bites. You see everything when you work with rescues. Baby Shampoo is definitely my preference because it's not overdrying and it rinses the easiest. If you can't go to the vet right way and need some time, keep the cat inside if you don't already, treat him for fleas if he has them, and save up the money for the vet visit. Don't put this off for more than a week or so though.

Answer 3

Does Cephalexin Expire

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Can the antibiotic Cephalexin expire? (ie. go bad)?
Hello,

I have a prescription of cephalexin which doesn't seem to have an expiry date. Can this antibiotic go bad / become ineffective?

Thanks!

Answer 5

A study done on pill form antibiotics showed no decline in potency as much as 66 months past the expire date.

Answer 6

Read the label on the bottle and it will have an expiration date. Trust me it is there. If you can't find it then have your pharmacist show you where it is. Yes it can go bad so if it is expired add it to your collection of expired or unused drugs that you have put away to take to your next drug recycling program.

Answer 7

For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/kiCLD

What type of dosage form is this? I'm guessing it's the oral suspension. Those oral suspensions don't last long. They are notorious for quick degrading once water is added. This suspension should last for 14 days after being reconstituted. Suspensions should not smell. My concern would be the age of the actual bulk drug. Go back to the MD and complain.

Answer 8

actually the best thing for u to do is call ur pharmacy, and address the ? to them, but the life of most antibiotics is 6-10 months, then they lose their potency

Answer 9

Yes definitely. There should be a date on the label, like a date filled. Call the pharmacy and ask them if it is still good.

Answer 10

Absolutely. If in doubt, toss it. Generally a prescription will be good for about one year.