Why shouldn’t medicine be kept too long?

Question

a) It will hurt you

b) Accidental use by children

c) It might lose potency

d) encourages excessive use of drugs

e) none of the above

Answer 1

>>C<<  

Once it has been opened, exposure to light and air will often, over time, break down the molecules of the medicine.  Also, variations in temperature (too hot, too cold, cycling back and forth) will have the same effect, often faster than that caused by exposure air and light.

That said, most medicines are potent and safe well past their expiration date but why take a chance?

Answer 2

c) It might lose potency.

Medicines are tested for their stability. A number of them are stable for a long time, but others can go off in a short time. These side products can be either non-functional or toxic.

Answer 3

it might lose potency