What's wrong with expired antiseptic?

Question

I used some antiseptic (Betadine) to clean a wound but it had expired a year ago, is it a problem?

Answer 1

Over time the components that keep the betadine as an antiseptic will deteriorate. The expiration date is the date the manufacture can no longer insure the product will still work. As the components break down, bacteria start to grow in the solution. Some bacteria produce spores that are not really killed but inactivated during the sterilization procedure, by using things past the expiration date, the spores may have reactivated and started to become "bad" again.  This is why in the OR (and other areas) we are not allowed to use things past their expiration date. So by using it- you may have exposed your wound to bacteria while attempting to clean it.

The #1 best way to clean a wound is with plain old soap and water. (Not even antibacterial soap)

Answer 2

It is likely that it has lost some of its efficacy. For sure, it has not become harmful, though.

Answer 3

As long as it has been kept in a dark, cool place I think it should be okay. If in doubt though, call the company. The # should be on the label. Or you could go to their web site or even talk to a pharmacist. If you don't want to use it anymore, good old fashioned soap and water works well and hydrogen peroxide. An expiration date doesn't necessarily mean something will be bad at that date. In this case the Betadine may have lost some of it's antiseptic "power" and not as effective as it should be.

Answer 4

Although antiseptics, such as betadine have expiration dates on them they rarely go bad. As long as it was closed up it's fine. Even if it is left open, it will evaporate before it goes bad.