Meclizine is a medication commonly used to address feelings of unease from motion sickness, as well as the spinning sensation associated with vertigo. It functions as an antihistamine, working to block specific signals in the brain that contribute to nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Understanding the shelf life of any medication, including meclizine, is important for ensuring its effectiveness and maintaining patient safety.
Decoding Meclizine Expiration Dates
The expiration date on a medication’s packaging indicates the period it maintains full strength, quality, and purity when stored as recommended. Manufacturers establish these dates through rigorous stability testing, which involves subjecting the drug to various environmental conditions. This testing includes both accelerated studies and real-time testing under normal conditions. For solid oral medications like meclizine, the typical shelf life ranges from one to five years from manufacture. Tablets are generally more stable than liquid preparations.
Maintaining Meclizine’s Potency and Safe Disposal
Environmental factors can impact meclizine’s stability and potency before its expiration date. Exposure to extreme temperatures, high humidity, and direct light accelerates active ingredient degradation. Elevated temperatures quicken chemical reactions that break down the drug, while moisture can lead to physical changes or promote microbial growth. Light can also induce photochemical reactions, reducing effectiveness.
To preserve meclizine’s potency, store it in a closed container at room temperature, ideally between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). Keep the medication away from heat, excessive moisture, and direct light. Avoid damp or humid locations like bathrooms, which experience temperature and humidity fluctuations. Keeping it in its original container also offers protection.
Using expired medication, including meclizine, primarily risks decreased effectiveness. Active ingredients can break down, meaning the medication may not adequately treat symptoms. While serious toxicity from most expired medications is uncommon, the main concern is that the drug will simply not work.
When meclizine or any medication is expired or no longer needed, proper disposal prevents accidental ingestion and environmental contamination.
- Drug take-back programs are the most recommended method, including drop-off kiosks at pharmacies or mail-back envelopes.
- If unavailable, dispose of medicines in household trash by mixing them with an undesirable substance like dirt, coffee grounds, or cat litter. Place this mixture in a sealed plastic bag.
- Remove all personal information from the prescription label.
- Do not flush most medications down the toilet, unless specifically listed by the FDA as safe.