Don’t use expired amoxicillin. After the expiration date, the medicine’s potency decreases. This means it may not be as effective in fighting infection.
The exact changes depend on storage conditions. Heat, light, and humidity accelerate degradation. Amoxicillin’s active ingredient, amoxicillin trihydrate, breaks down into inactive compounds. This breakdown is gradual; it doesn’t suddenly become toxic. However, its effectiveness significantly reduces, potentially leading to treatment failure.
While unlikely to cause direct harm, taking ineffective medication prolongs illness and increases the risk of antibiotic resistance. This resistance makes future infections harder to treat.
| Improper Storage (heat, moisture) | Accelerated degradation; reduced potency |
| Time Past Expiration | Decreasing concentration of active ingredient |
| Exposure to Light | Potential for chemical changes and reduced efficacy |
Always check the expiration date and dispose of expired amoxicillin properly. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal guidelines for safe disposal methods. Never flush medication down the toilet.
