Medications Including Hydroxyzine Good For 5 Years +
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As with most pills, tabs, etc., my pharmacist states that the one year exp. dates are for inventory software programs based on inj's. and other sensitive liquid meds.

That said, he let me know, that over 90% of the most popular drugs prescribed, still have over 95% of their potency at 5 years after the Rx date, including hydroxyzine.

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My Dr. prescribed this to me for itching,and it worked. That poison ivy nearly drove me mad!! That was in 2013 so mine is only 2 and a half years old. It does say take before bedtime so I have to suffer that damned itch the rest of the day...the histidine in by body is wonky. Hey, thanks for the info!

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Hello, Marcel! How are you? Thank you for providing such valuable information.

The one year expiration from the pharmacy, when they give you a medication, is set, because it's the maximum time that the manufacturer can guarantee the medication will maintain full potency under average storage conditions, as required by the FDA.

But yes, a large percentage of them do maintain potency much longer, however, only someone's doctor can say if it is or isn't okay for them to take an 'expired' medication.

And in the case of some medications, taking one that hasn't maintained its full potency may cause other problems. For instance, an antibiotic that isn't fully potent may not properly eradicate infectious bacteria, which could result in the bacteria developing antibiotic resistance. Other medications that are dosed in micrograms, such as Levothyroxine, could lose enough potency to make them ineffective. Thus, it's always best to double check.

Storage conditions will also play a role in how much efficacy any medication maintains, after the expiration. If its stored somewhere cool, dry and dark, it will last longer than if it is exposed to heat, light and moisture.

Most tablets and capsules have expiration dates 4 to 5 years out, if still in the original factory sealed container.

And yes, of course, a pharmacy having to keep inventory is a whole other ballgame. Though I know a large pharmacy here that uses an inventory system that logs the expiration dates for each medication and alerts them, when one is getting close and needs replaced, that way they don't have to just go toss everything that's been sitting there for a year, they know exactly what needs to go, if it's still on the shelf. But, I imagine having to log that into the computer system, in addition to the information on the supply of the medication, may not be something that every pharmacy or pharmacist has time to do.

So, when in doubt, it is always best to obtain a new supply, if a medication is expired, unless your doctor says otherwise.

Does anyone have any questions about this?

I hope the information Marcel provided and what I've added helps clear this issue up for many people. :-)

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