Does Amoxicillin Expire?

Key Takeaways

• Amoxicillin capsules and tablets typically maintain their potency for about two years if stored correctly and kept in their original packaging. While using them slightly beyond their expiry date may still be safe, it's important to note that their effectiveness might decrease over time. However, Amoxicillin suspension (drug or prescription), once prepared, has a much shorter shelf life of only about 7-10 days. This shorter lifespan underscores the importance of using it promptly after preparation to ensure its efficacy and avoid potential health risks.

• Proper storage techniques of Amoxicillin can increase the shelf life of your antibiotic. Keep the capsules and tablets stored at room temperature, away from excessive heat and moisture, and avoid storing them in the bathroom. While it's preferable to refrigerate the liquid medication, it can also be stored at room temperature. However, do not freeze it. Dispose of any unused liquid medication after 14 days.

Where to Find Expiration Dates for Amoxicillin

Your expiration dates should be right on the prescription bottle filled by your pharmacy. If you don’t see an expiration date, you may want to return to the pharmacy that you recently purchased the amoxicillin at and ask for a new bottle with proper expiry dates on the bottle.

If you have stored your Amoxicillin in proper storage conditions, however, do not see an expiration date on the prescription bottle itself, it’s advised not to consume any of that prescription medication.

By law, the FDA requires all prescription medication bottles to have proper expiration dates on them.

Amoxicillin Storage Temperatures and Shelf Life

This study investigated the stability of amoxicillin in different oral suspension formulations under various storage conditions. The formulations included commercially available ones and those prepared extemporaneously by pharmacists. These formulations were stored at different temperatures (-20°C, 4°C, 25°C, and 40°C) for up to 21 days, and their stability was assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

The findings revealed that the stability of amoxicillin oral suspensions varied depending on the formulation and storage conditions. Generally, suspensions stored at lower temperatures exhibited better stability compared to those stored at higher temperatures. Commercially available suspensions showed better stability than extemporaneously prepared ones. Additionally, suspensions stored at -20°C had the highest stability, with negligible degradation observed over the 21-day period.

The study concluded that proper storage temperature is crucial for maintaining the stability of amoxicillin oral suspensions. Refrigeration at 4°C or freezing at -20°C significantly prolonged the shelf life of these formulations. This information is valuable for pharmacists and healthcare professionals involved in the preparation and dispensing of amoxicillin oral suspensions, as it helps ensure the efficacy and safety of the medication for patients.