Old Medications?

[vss]

Hi I'm sorting my cabinet and I have some old leftover medications like praziquantel and metro that stayed there for like two years. Just wondering if they have shelf life or not. Shall I trash them and get new one whenever needed or they are still usable? Thanks!

Xiaofei :)

[PAR23]

Are there expiration dates on them?

[vss]

I didn't find any...

[Chicago Discus]

IMO I never keep meds longer than a year you don't know how long the manufacture kept them around before you bought them especially if you don't have an expiration date ....... Josie

[PAR23]

Agreed with Josie. I would toss them. Not worth risking your discus health over a few dollars.

[seanyuki]

just sharing

How long a med is good for depends a lot on how it is stored. Most are best stored in a cool dry place. If stored somewhere warm and humid (like in a medicine cabinet), the shelf life will be much shorter.

As for whether it is harmful to take something after the expiration date, your main risk is that it will not be effective. You are best off getting a fresh supply so that there is no uncertainty.

http://www.medpedia.com/questions/3428-is-there-a-shelf--life-for-metronidazole

[vss]

Thanks for the advice Peter, Josie, and Francis. Dumped all the medications and just ordered some backups. Eventually made enough room for my new canister filter :D

Xiaofei:)