Is it safe to take medication that expired a year ago?

Question

I have some major congestion, and the only thing in my medicine cabinet is a box of Benadryl that expired in March 2007. Is it safe to take that? Would it just not work, or actually harm me?

Answer 1

I've taken (swallowed) over the counter cold medicine that was out of date without any complications and you are probably safe with your medication.  Some medicines just lose potency but others degrade and undergo molecular changes which could prove lethal.  So use a little common sense.  If the product is seriously out of date discard it.  If it's an OTC preparation buy a new supply.  If it's slightly out of date and has been well kept you can most likely take it with the idea that it might not work as well as it did before.  If the medicine is in the form of a prescription you should call your doctor and ask the question.  Chances are he will simply call in a new prescription to your favorite drugstore.

Answer 2

No it is not!!! Those dates are one the bottle for a reason. You should not try and test the date becasue complications may occur.

Answer 3

if it once like a month over sure, go for it, but a year, YIKES! don't get yourself even sicker!!!

Hope you feel better.

Answer 4

It is completely safe.  Most people think it "goes bad" like milk after expiration date.  All the expiration date means is that it loses it's potency.  It may not be as effective as a new bottle.