Can expired fever reducers still be taken?

Expiration of Fever Reducers

Fever reducers should not be taken after expiration, primarily because they lose their potency. Taking expired fever reducers will not alleviate fever but may adversely affect gastrointestinal health. Thus, any expired medication should be avoided.

Upon expiration, the color of fever reducers may change, they may dissolve, and their toxicity may increase, leading to adverse reactions. Should one consume expired fever reducers? The answer is no. Strictly speaking, even medications expired for just one day are not recommended for use, let alone those expired for a month, three months, or even half a year. After expiration, medications may undergo irreversible changes in their properties and structures, not to mention the likelihood of losing efficacy. Consuming them can trigger toxic reactions or exacerbate side effects such as fever.

Especially when the color and taste of medications deteriorate significantly, the risks are even greater. Therefore, it is safer to consume medications within their expiration dates, especially western medicines. Children should be extra cautious. If medications are expired, they should be discarded.

Emergency Use of Recently Expired Fever Reducers

In cases where fever reducers have just expired for a day and there are no changes in their physical properties, one should observe their color and moisture content. If these remain unchanged, using them in an emergency situation generally poses no significant risk, and they may still have therapeutic effects without increasing toxicity or causing adverse reactions. However, it's advisable to use medications within their expiration dates.

What to Do After Consuming Expired Fever Reducers?

If you accidentally consume a small amount of expired fever reducers, it's generally not a major concern. Avoid taking more and increase water intake to accelerate drug metabolism. However, if you consume a larger amount and experience abnormal symptoms, seek medical attention promptly under a doctor's guidance to prevent further harm.

Shelf Life of Fever Reducers

Refer to the expiration date on the medication bottle, which typically indicates how long the medication remains effective. Generally, it can last for several months until the expiration date. It's best not to exceed six months. Always check the medication's properties before use. Discard any that have changed color or taste.

Note that some medications like suspension forms may naturally precipitate or separate over time, which is normal. Shake well before use. Also, remember that the expiration date does not equal the shelf life after opening. Generally, medications should be consumed within a month after opening. Follow storage instructions carefully, avoiding heat, light, and moisture.

Do not store medications in bathrooms, kitchens, or refrigerators (except for specifically refrigerated medications). Instead, find a cool, dry place like a drawer or a sealed plastic container.