Hydroxyzine is a commonly prescribed medication used to treat anxiety, allergic reactions, and insomnia. Understanding its shelf life is important to ensure the medication’s effectiveness and patient safety.
Locating the Expiration Date
The expiration date for hydroxyzine is typically printed on the label of the prescription bottle, on the blister pack, or on the outer carton. This date represents the manufacturer’s guarantee of the drug’s full potency and safety. For instance, an expiration date of “06/2026” means the medication is considered stable and effective through the last day of June 2026. This date is determined by stability testing under specific storage conditions.
The expiration date applies to the medication in its original, unopened packaging. Once a prescription is dispensed, a “beyond-use date” might be provided by the pharmacist. This date is shorter than the manufacturer’s expiration date and accounts for the time the medication remains stable after being prepared or opened. Adhering to either the expiration date or the beyond-use date is important for maintaining drug quality.
How Storage Impacts Shelf Life
Proper storage significantly influences hydroxyzine’s stability. Temperature is a primary factor, with hydroxyzine requiring storage at controlled room temperature, typically between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Exposing the medication to extreme heat, such as leaving it in a hot car, or extreme cold, like freezing, can accelerate the degradation of its active ingredients. Temperature fluctuations can alter the drug’s chemical composition, potentially reducing its effectiveness or leading to the formation of undesirable compounds.
Light exposure impacts medication stability. Hydroxyzine should be kept in its original, opaque container. Direct sunlight or prolonged exposure to artificial light can initiate photochemical reactions that break down the drug’s active components over time. This degradation can diminish the medication’s potency.
Humidity can compromise hydroxyzine’s shelf life. Storing the medication in a dry place, away from high moisture areas like bathrooms, is advisable. Moisture can cause tablets to dissolve prematurely or lead to chemical breakdown of the active ingredient.
What to Do with Expired Hydroxyzine
Using expired hydroxyzine is not recommended due to potential changes in its chemical composition and potency. Over time, the active ingredients can degrade, leading to a reduction in its intended therapeutic effect. This means the expired medication may not provide the same level of relief for anxiety or allergies, or it may not induce sleep as effectively. There is also a theoretical risk that degraded products could become harmful.
To safely dispose of expired hydroxyzine, several methods are available to prevent accidental ingestion by others or environmental contamination. One of the preferred methods is participating in drug take-back programs, which are often organized by local law enforcement agencies or pharmacies. These programs provide secure and environmentally sound ways to dispose of unused or expired medications. Many pharmacies also offer medication disposal kiosks or envelopes for safe disposal.
If a take-back program or pharmacy disposal option is not readily available, home disposal can be considered, but it must be done carefully. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends mixing the medication, such as hydroxyzine tablets, with an undesirable substance like dirt, cat litter, or used coffee grounds. This mixture should then be placed in a sealed plastic bag before being thrown into the household trash. This method makes the medication unappealing to children or pets and unrecognizable to individuals who might intentionally search for drugs in the trash. It is important to avoid flushing most medications down the toilet, as this can introduce pharmaceuticals into the water supply.