2007-10-21 12:25:20 · 5 answers · asked by Chuck D 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
Ask your Pharmacist, there is a expiration date for a reason, some medications can become toxic if they are past their expiration date.
2007-10-21 12:33:08 · answer #1 · answered by deejayspop 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have read once open they are good for a year. After that, its effectiveness and safety are in question.
The other concern is if you are using old antibiotics, there arent probably enough for a 10 day supply. So you will cut yourself short, which is why we have a problem today with resistant bacterias out there.
You should consume your entire prescription. Also, many people take antibiotics that were prescribed for say a urinary tract infection to treat upper respiratory infections. Many times that antibiotic is not effective for another area of the body. So its best you see a physician and not self medicate.
2007-10-21 13:23:12 · answer #2 · answered by nursebob 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as it has not been exposed to any pollutants it is still safe to use at any age, but the FDA sets expiration dates on all drugs as a safety measure.
2007-10-21 12:35:51 · answer #3 · answered by Belgariad 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should not use antibiotic for any thing other than it was originally prescribed. therefore it should be discarded. Over use of antibiotics is attributed for antibiotic resistant "super bacteria" & using the wrong antibiotic (or weakened from being stored to long) could be more detrimental than helpful.
2007-10-21 12:43:57 · answer #4 · answered by deerslayer0062 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, you should not have leftover antibiotics...you need to discard them, and get a new script and take them until finished...
2007-10-21 12:57:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋