Benadryl, with its active ingredient diphenhydramine, is a widely recognized over-the-counter antihistamine. It provides relief for various symptoms associated with hay fever, upper respiratory allergies, and the common cold, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Benadryl is also used to help with motion sickness and as a sleep aid. Understanding medication expiration dates is important for safety and effectiveness.
The Meaning of Medication Expiration Dates
The expiration date printed on a medication indicates the point up to which the manufacturer guarantees the drug’s full potency, quality, and purity. This date is determined through stability testing conducted under strict manufacturing practices, as required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Manufacturers assess how long a drug remains stable when stored under specified conditions, typically setting the expiration date between 12 and 60 months from the time of manufacture.
This date signifies the period during which the product is expected to retain its strength if stored correctly. Beyond this date, the chemical composition of the drug can begin to change, potentially leading to a decrease in its active ingredients.
Why Expired Benadryl Should Not Be Used
Using expired Benadryl carries several potential consequences, primarily concerning its effectiveness. Over time, the active ingredient, diphenhydramine, can degrade, leading to a loss of potency. This means the medication may not effectively alleviate allergy symptoms or provide the desired relief for cold symptoms, potentially prolonging discomfort. The lack of guaranteed efficacy is the main reason to avoid using expired medications.
While serious harm from typical expired oral medications like Benadryl is rare, the FDA advises against their use because the chemical compounds can change. For liquid formulations of Benadryl, there is an additional, albeit low, risk of bacterial growth or contamination once the product is opened and past its expiration.
The unpredictable nature of potency loss means expired Benadryl might not provide the expected therapeutic benefit. Relying on an ineffective antihistamine could delay proper treatment for uncomfortable symptoms. Therefore, adhering to the expiration date ensures that the medication you are taking meets the quality standards set by the manufacturer.
Safely Disposing of Expired Medication
Proper disposal of expired Benadryl and other medications is important for public safety and environmental protection. The best method for disposal is through drug take-back programs, which are often available at local pharmacies, police stations, or during periodic National Prescription Drug Take Back Days organized by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). These programs ensure medications are disposed of securely and responsibly.
If a take-back program or mail-back envelope is not readily accessible, most medications can be disposed of in household trash. To do this safely, remove the medication from its original container and mix it with an unappealing substance like dirt, cat litter, or used coffee grounds. This mixture should then be placed in a sealed plastic bag or container before being put in the trash to prevent accidental ingestion by children or pets.
It is important to note that medications should generally not be flushed down the toilet or poured down a sink unless the packaging specifically instructs you to do so, as Benadryl is not typically on the FDA’s “flush list.” Flushing medications not on this list can contribute to environmental contamination. Always remember to scratch out personal information on prescription labels before discarding empty containers to protect privacy.