How long can I take medicine after it expires?

How long can I take medicine after it expires?

While it’s best only to use non-expired medications, one study conducted by the U.S. military showed that some medications could retain their potency up to one year after the expiration date has passed.

How long can you take Tums?

Do not take the maximum dose of the medication for more than 2 weeks unless directed by your doctor. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.

Is it safe to take an expired medicine?

“This date represents the date at which the manufacturer can still guarantee full potency and safety of the medication.” According to Dr. Rohr, there’s actually little scientific evidence that expired medications can be toxic or make you sick the way rotten food can.

What happens to a drug after the expiration date?

“The drug is likely to lose some potency after the expiration date, but it is not clear how much potency is lost over a certain period of time past expiration dates.” Just beware: Certain meds’ expiration dates may matter more than others.

Is it okay to take expired warfarin medication?

“If you are taking a blood thinner like warfarin to prevent blood clots or an anti-seizure medication like dilantin or phenobarbital, it would be important to make sure the medication has full potency to help prevent detrimental effects of medication failure,” she says.

Are there expiration dates on over the counter medications?

Drug expiration dates exist on most medication labels, including prescription, over-the-counter (OTC) and dietary (herbal) supplements. U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturers are required by law to place expiration dates on prescription products prior to marketing.

What are the worst blood pressure medicines?

Drugs in this class include phenylzine and tranylcypromine. Any of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents also raise blood pressure. The worst offenders are indomethacin, naprosyn, and ibuprofen, especially in large doses.

What are the dangers of taking expired medication?

Expired medicines can be risky. Expired medical products can be less effective or risky due to a change in chemical composition or a decrease in strength. Certain expired medications are at risk of bacterial growth and sub-potent antibiotics can fail to treat infections, leading to more serious illnesses and antibiotic resistance.

What are the best blood pressure medications?

The best medication for most people with high blood pressure is usually a diuretic. Other drugs used to lower blood pressure include thiazides, beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers and calcium channel antagonists.

Is it safe to take expired drugs?

If an expired medication is for a minor health problem, for example, for a headache, hayfever, or mild pain, it may also be safe to take it, although drug potency might not be 100% and it may not work as well.