Benzonatate is a prescription medication used to relieve coughs by numbing the stretch receptors in the lungs and airways. Many individuals wonder about the safety and effectiveness of medications like benzonatate after their stated expiration dates. Understanding why these dates exist and what happens to the medication over time can help guide appropriate use and disposal.
Why Medications Have Expiration Dates
Medication expiration dates are established by manufacturers through rigorous stability testing. These dates guarantee the full potency and safety of the drug when stored under recommended conditions.
Beyond the expiration date, a drug’s chemical composition may begin to change. This alteration can lead to a decrease in its active ingredients or, in some cases, the formation of new compounds. The expiration date therefore serves as a benchmark for optimal performance and patient safety.
What Happens When Benzonatate Expires
When benzonatate passes its expiration date, it can begin to lose potency. This means that expired benzonatate may be less effective at suppressing a cough. The active ingredient, benzonatate, may degrade over time, reducing the amount of medication available to numb cough receptors.
Chemical degradation can also occur, where the drug’s components might break down into different substances. While the risks of harmful compound formation for benzonatate are low, the safety profile becomes unpredictable. Therefore, it is not recommended to take expired benzonatate due to the uncertainty regarding its efficacy and potential for altered chemical properties.
Properly Disposing of Expired Medication
Disposing of expired benzonatate is important to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse. The most recommended method is to find a local drug take-back program. Many pharmacies, healthcare facilities, and law enforcement agencies offer secure drop-off boxes for unwanted medications.
If a take-back program is not readily available, most medications, including benzonatate, can be disposed of in household trash with specific precautions. It is advised to remove the medication from its original container and mix it with an unappealing substance, such as dirt, cat litter, or used coffee grounds. This mixture should then be placed in a sealed plastic bag or another sealable container to prevent it from leaking before being thrown into the trash. It is important to scratch out all personal information on the prescription label to protect privacy. Avoid flushing medications down the toilet or pouring them down the sink unless the medication is specifically listed on the FDA’s “flush list.”