What happens if i took expired tylenol

Every medicine ages differently. But avoid taking expired antibiotics, supplements, and eye drops. Vogel says, you could get worse or risk your infection developing resistance against the antibiotic. Plus, the fundamental composition of antibiotics changes over time, which can cause issues on its own. Probably not. With most over-the-counter OTC medication, taking expired drugs will either help you or have no effect—the medicine could no longer be potent. A lot of things can degrade medicine more quickly than normal: light exposure, temperature, and humidity.

Contrary to popular belief, the medicine cabinet is not the right place to keep your pills. The bathroom is far too hot and steamy for proper storage of medication. Some medications require refrigeration and special handling, Dr. Certain medicines need to be stored in the refrigerator and others cannot be exposed to high temperatures. Improper storage — such as a damp bathroom cabinet — can contribute to decreased effectiveness in medicines that have not reached their posted expiration date. For most medicines, to help ensure the proper shelf life of your medicine, it is better to store medicine in a cool, dry place such as a dresser drawer, storage box, closet shelf, or kitchen cabinet.

When storing medicine in a kitchen cabinet make sure that it is away from hot appliances and the sink due to changing temperatures and humidity, which can affect the medicine. Taking out-of-date drugs carries certain risks Out with the old! Expired medicines can be risky Expired medical products can be less effective or risky due to a change in chemical composition or a decrease in strength.

The next time you face the drug expiration date dilemma , consider what you've learned here. And if you have any questions about the safety or effectiveness of any drug, ask your pharmacist. He or she is a great resource when it comes to getting more information about your medications. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. With this Special Health Report, Living Better, Living Longer , you will learn the protective steps doctors recommend for keeping your mind and body fit for an active and rewarding life.

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Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School. Recent Blog Articles. Health news headlines can be deceiving. The bottom line: Expiry dates are a conservative measure to make sure you're using medication of the highest potency possible.

When you're unwell and all you want to do is feel better quickly, taking something that you know will work is key, instead of worrying whether it's still good or not. Don't forget that the date listed on the bottle isn't the only way to ensure your drugs remain effective. Proper storage is also an important factor: Keep drugs out of humid rooms and store them in cool, dry places. If you have a supply of drugs that is old or expired, discard of them safely through your local pharmacy's disposal system or with your doctor's office.

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