Have you ever wondered if expired Nyquil is safe to take? After all, expired medication is not exactly something you want to put into your body. But, when you’re feeling sick and desperate for relief, you may be tempted to take a chance. Before you do, it’s important to understand the risks involved with taking expired Nyquil. In this article, we’ll discuss what you need to know about taking expired Nyquil, from potential side effects to the best way to dispose of it if you don’t use it. By understanding the risks and proper disposal methods, you can make an informed decision about whether or not expired Nyquil is the right treatment for you.
Is Expired Nyquil Safe?
No, expired Nyquil is not safe. While the expiration date on Nyquil products is an estimate of when the drug’s potency may begin to decline, it is not a guarantee that the product will remain safe to consume after that date. It is important to note that all medication has different expiration dates, and Nyquil products are no exception.
Potential Side Effects Of Taking Expired Nyquil
- If you take expired Nyquil, you will likely experience some side effects. The most common symptoms associated with expired Nyquil are drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
- Some people also report experiencing headaches, diarrhea, and sweating when they take expired Nyquil. The severity of the side effects you experience will depend on the dosage you take and how old the medication is. To be safe, it is best to avoid taking expired Nyquil, especially if you are taking other medications.
- It is also important to avoid taking expired Nyquil if you have any chronic health issues. Taking expired Nyquil could exacerbate conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney issues, and liver disease.
- Even if you do not experience any side effects while taking expired Nyquil, it is unwise to take it regularly. Medications lose their effectiveness over time, and they may become less effective over time, which is why pharmacists recommend you replace your medications every year.
How To Store Nyquil Properly?
1. Keep Nyquil In Its Original Container
The first way to store Nyquil is to keep it in its original container. It’s important to note that you should never put the medication in a different container, as doing so can cause it to be contaminated and can reduce its potency. The original container keeps the medication safe and clean, and it’s easy to identify what’s inside.
If you’re unsure if the pills in the original container are still effective, you can check the expiration date on the container. You can also examine the pills to see if they look different from when you first purchased them. If there are noticeable changes in the color or texture of the pills, or if the expiration date has passed, then it’s time to discard the medication.
2. Store Nyquil In A Cool, Dry Place
Another important way to store Nyquil is to keep it in a cool, dry place. This is important because the ingredients in the medication could degrade if the medication is stored in an area that’s too hot. Medications should be stored at room temperature, in a dark place that’s free of humidity. They should be kept away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and extreme temperatures. If your home is particularly warm or humid, it’s a good idea to keep medications in the refrigerator. This will help to prolong their shelf life and keep them at their best.
If your medications are kept in the refrigerator, be sure to take them out a few hours before using them. This will allow them to return to room temperature, which is important because medications stored in the fridge should be used as soon as possible. If you keep them in the fridge for too long, they can lose potency.
3. Refrain From Freezing Nyquil
While it’s important to keep medications stored in a cool, dry place, it’s also important to refrain from freezing them. Freezing can damage the pills in the medication, which can cause them to become less potent. It can also cause pills to stick together, which can make them difficult to use.
If you live in a particularly cold climate, you can make sure your medications stay at their best by keeping them in a dry and cool place. You may also want to keep them in a drawer to help insulate them from the cold air.
4. Be Aware Of Expiration Dates
Another important thing to note when storing medications is the expiration date. Just like foods, medications don’t last forever. They have a specific shelf life that’s determined by the manufacturer. Once the medication has passed its expiration date, it loses potency. This means it won’t be as effective at treating symptoms and may even be dangerous to consume.
Most medications come with an expiration date printed on the packaging. It’s important to note this date, and it’s also important to remember that the packaging can be misleading. It’s not uncommon for the expiration date on the packaging to be set further back than the actual expiration date of the medication. This is because the packaging must be printed far in advance and it takes time to get the medication from the manufacturer to the store and then to your home. The actual expiration date of the medication will be much closer to the date you purchased it than what’s listed on the packaging.
5. Discard Expired Nyquil
If the expiration date has passed or if you notice the medication is no longer potent, it’s important to discard it. It’s dangerous to continue using expired medications because they can be ineffective and can even cause harm. It’s important to remember that you shouldn’t just put expired medications in a different place. Instead, you should discard them to keep them out of the reach of children and pets.
If you’re not sure if the medication is still good, you can look at the expiration date to see if it has passed. You can also examine the pills to see if they look different from when you first purchased them. If there are noticeable changes in the color or texture of the pills, or if the expiration date has passed, then it’s time to discard the medication.
What To Do If You Have Expired Nyquil?
- If you have expired Nyquil, it is important to properly dispose of it to prevent others from getting sick. You may want to keep it. If you choose to do so, do not open the packaging. You can put it in a secure location that is not easily accessible to others.
- Take note that expired medication is not safe to take. If you choose to take it, you should be prepared for more serious side effects. If you would like to discard the medication, there are a few options you have.
- You can flush it down the toilet, let it sit out in the open until it is no longer harmful, or throw it in the household trash. If you choose to flush it, make sure you do it down a toilet and not in a sink or a storm drain.
- If you let it sit out in the open, it is important to keep it away from children and pets. You should also keep it away from food products.
- If you choose to throw it in the trash, make sure you do so in a bag that is sealed. You do not want to risk others coming into contact with it.
When To Speak To A Doctor About Taking Nyquil?
- If you take expired Nyquil, you do not want to take it regularly or take more than prescribed. It is also important that you know the signs of a serious allergic reaction and seek medical attention immediately if you experience them.
- If you are taking expired Nyquil and notice it is not as effective as it used to be, you may want to reach out to a doctor and see if you can switch to a different medication. There are certain times when it is better to avoid taking Nyquil.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is best to avoid taking Nyquil. This is because it is not known whether taking it could harm the baby. If you have a chronic health condition, it is also best to avoid taking Nyquil.
- This is because it could make your condition worse. If you have a condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, you should not take Nyquil as it can make these conditions worse.
Conclusion
When taking any medication, it is important to make sure you are using a fresh supply and storing it properly. If you notice the expiration date has passed, you may want to throw out the pills and get fresh ones. Taking expired Nyquil can lead to several health issues, including a dangerous allergic reaction. It is best to avoid taking it and opt for a new, unopened package instead. If you ever find yourself with expired medication, it is best to discard it.
