Pepto Bismol is a common over-the-counter medication used to treat upset stomach, heartburn, indigestion, and diarrhea. It contains the active ingredient bismuth subsalicylate. Like any medication or food product, Pepto Bismol has a shelf life and can eventually spoil if stored improperly or kept for too long. Many people wonder, does Pepto Bismol expire and is it still safe to take Pepto Bismol after the expiration date?
What is Pepto Bismol?
Pepto Bismol is an oral medication that contains bismuth subsalicylate as its active ingredient. Bismuth subsalicylate helps treat several digestive symptoms including:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Gas and bloating
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Upset stomach
It works by protecting the lining of the stomach and intestines, reducing inflammation, and slowing down overactive digestive muscles. Pepto Bismol can provide quick relief when taken for temporary digestive discomfort.
Some key facts about Pepto Bismol:
- Manufactured by Procter & Gamble
- Available since 1900
- Pepto Pink liquid or chewable tablets
- Active ingredient is bismuth subsalicylate
- OTC medication, no prescription needed
Pepto Bismol is safe for both adults and children over 3 years old when used occasionally for temporary relief. It should not be used for more than 2 days unless directed by a doctor.
Does Pepto Bismol Expire?
Yes, Pepto Bismol does have an expiration date and can expire. Like any medication, Pepto Bismol has a shelf life. The shelf life refers to the length of time the medicine retains its full potency and effectiveness.
The expiration date is printed on the Pepto Bismol bottle or box. This lets you know the last day that the manufacturer guarantees the product will be fully potent.
For Pepto Bismol, the typical shelf life after opening is 24 months. This means an unopened bottle of Pepto Bismol is good for about 2 years past the labeled expiration date when stored properly. Once opened, it’s best to use the Pepto within 1-2 years.
So Pepto can technically expire, but it does not immediately go bad on the expiration date. It slowly loses potency over time after opening.
How to tell if Pepto Bismol is expired?
Here are some signs that your Pepto Bismol may be expired or spoiled:
- Expired date on the bottle has passed
- The color has changed from bright pink to a brownish color
- The liquid is cloudy rather than clear pink
- There is sediment or particles floating in the liquid
- The smell is off, such as a sour or chemical odor
- The taste is bitter or chemical tasting
If your Pepto Bismol shows any changes from the normal bright pink color, consistency, smell or taste, it may be past its prime. When in doubt, it’s best to replace it with a fresh bottle.
Is it Safe to Take Expired Pepto Bismol?
Taking Pepto Bismol that is slightly expired is generally safe. However, its effectiveness may decrease and side effects may increase the longer it is expired.
Here are some things to keep in mind with expired Pepto Bismol:
- Potency – The medication may be less effective at treating symptoms as it ages.
- Safety – An expired product likely won’t make you sick. But the chance of side effects or allergic reaction may increase.
- Color changes – Slight color variations from pink to brown are normal with age and not harmful.
- Separation – Some separation of solids from liquid can occur but doesn’t make it unsafe.
- Smells or texture – A bad odor, taste or texture means it’s best to discard.
The bismuth subsalicylate in Pepto will slowly degrade over time. But even 2-3 years past expiration, it likely retains at least 70-80% potency if unopened. Overall, it’s generally recognized as safe to take Pepto up to a few years past expiration as long as it has been stored properly. But for the most effectiveness, replace very expired bottles.
How Long Does Pepto Bismol Last After Opening?
Once opened, Pepto Bismol will remain good for:
- 12-24 months past expiration when stored properly
- Around 1-2 years after opening if no expiration date
To get the longest usable life from liquid Pepto Bismol after opening:
- Store at room temperature away from excess heat or moisture
- Keep the cap on tight
- Don’t transfer to other containers that may introduce bacteria
- Keep bottles away from direct sunlight
- Don’t use if color changes from pink to brown or texture changes
With proper storage, an opened bottle of Pepto can often last 1-2 years past its printed expiration date. But be sure to inspect before use and discard if you see any odd changes in smell, appearance or texture. Replacing Pepto yearly is recommended for best results.
How to Store Pepto Bismol
Storing Pepto Bismol correctly will help extend its shelf life after opening:
- Room temperature – Keep Pepto at normal room temp, away from excess heat or moisture.
- Cool dry place – Avoid storing Pepto in places like the bathroom or kitchen with more humidity.
- No refrigeration – Don’t store Pepto in the fridge or freezer unless directed by your doctor.
- Avoid sunlight – Sunlight can degrade bismuth salts, so keep Pepto in a pantry or medicine cabinet.
- Cap tightly – Always screw the cap on tightly to prevent leaks and contamination.
- Proper position – Store the bottle upright to prevent leakage from the top.
Proper storage will help maintain the effectiveness and safety of Pepto Bismol past its expiration date. Discard if you ever notice changes in color, clarity, or odor after opening.
Does Pepto Bismol Need to be Refrigerated After Opening?
Pepto Bismol does not need to be refrigerated after opening. It should be stored at room temperature out of direct sunlight. Refrigerating Pepto Bismol can actually cause it to deteriorate faster.
The inactive ingredients in Pepto can separate or solidify when refrigerated. This gives it a cloudy appearance but doesn’t make it unsafe. Storing Pepto Bismol in the fridge can also lead to premature color changes.
Always follow the storage instructions on the Pepto Bismol bottle you have. Unless it specifically says to refrigerate, room temperature is best. Keeping Pepto Bismol in a cool, dry pantry or medicine cabinet is ideal.
Some reasons not to refrigerate Pepto after opening:
- Can cause lumpiness as inactive ingredients solidify
- Speeds up color changes from pink to brown
- Increases separation and debris in liquid
- Causes cap and rim to stick together due to condensation
- Metal caps can corrode due to moisture
Of course, if you’ve ever been directed by a doctor to refrigerate your Pepto Bismol after opening, continue following those instructions. But in general, refrigeration is not needed and can do more harm than good.
What Ingredients Make Pepto Bismol Go Bad?
The key ingredient that affects Pepto Bismol’s shelf life is its active ingredient, bismuth subsalicylate. Bismuth subsalicylate is what provides Pepto’s characteristic pink color and medicinal actions.
Over time, the bismuth subsalicylate starts to oxidize and degrade in the presence of air, light and moisture. This causes Pepto Bismol to slowly lose potency and change color as it ages.
Here are some ways the bismuth subsalicylate breaks down:
- Oxidation from exposure to air – Creates discoloration
- Hydrolysis from moisture – Causes bitter taste
- Photolysis from light exposure – Bleaches pink color
- Adsorption to containers – Reduces potency
Other inactive ingredients like propylene glycol, sodium saccharin, and heavy cream solids can also degrade slowly and cause discoloration or texture changes.
That’s why it’s important to store Pepto Bismol properly in a cool, dry environment and discard when you notice any changes to its appearance, aroma, or effectiveness.
Can You Freeze Pepto Bismol?
Pepto Bismol can be frozen to extend its shelf life, but it may impact the product’s quality and is not recommended. Freezing can cause the inactive ingredients in Pepto to crystallize or separate when thawed later.
Here are some potential issues with freezing Pepto Bismol:
- Creamy texture changes to gritty or watery
- Crystals or solids form that don’t dissolve when shaken
- Ingredients separate into layers
- Pink color fades or turns brown
- Metal caps and rims can corrode
While freezing may prolong chemical degradation, the physical changes to Pepto Bismol make it less appealing to use after thawing.
If you do freeze Pepto, follow these tips:
- Freeze unopened bottles before the expiration date
- Store in air-tight freezer bags to prevent freezer burn
- Freeze for up to 6-12 months maximum
- Thaw slowly in the fridge before use
- Use immediately after thawing
- Don’t refreeze thawed Pepto
Overall, refrigeration is not required or recommended for Pepto Bismol. Simply storing in a cool, dry place is best for retaining its freshness and quality. Discard Pepto if you notice any major changes to its color, texture or smell after freezing and thawing.
Signs of Pepto Bismol Going Bad
Watch for these key signs that your Pepto Bismol may have gone bad:
- Change in color – No longer bright pink but is darker, brownish, or grayish.
- Clumping – Powder forms clumps or liquid turns cloudy.
- Odor – Smells sour, bitter, or chemical-like.
- Change in consistency – Liquid is no longer smooth but feels gritty.
- Taste – Has a bitter, unpleasant, chemical taste.
- Separation – Liquid separates with layer of solids at the bottom.
While Pepto will slowly lose potency past its expiration date, it should still be safe if you don’t notice any of these signs. When in doubt, discard it and get a fresh bottle. Using expired Pepto that has changed colors, smells or textures can increase the risk of decreased effectiveness or side effects.
Can Expired Pepto Bismol Make You Sick?
Taking Pepto Bismol that is slightly expired is unlikely to make you sick. However, severely expired or compromised Pepto Bismol may cause adverse side effects or allergic reactions in some people.
Here are some potential health risks of using expired Pepto products:
- Upset stomach, nausea or diarrhea – Medication is no longer effective
- Bismuth toxicity – Higher doses as potency breaks down
- Allergic reactions – Inactive ingredients degrade into compounds that cause sensitivities
- Unsafe contaminants – Bacteria or chemicals leach from container into product
Despite these small risks, most people can take Pepto Bismol that is recently expired without any issues. Discard bottles more than 2-3 years expired or that show signs of contamination. Seek medical care if you develop concerning digestive symptoms after taking expired Pepto.
To be safe, purchase a new bottle of Pepto Bismol every 1-2 years to ensure you have a fresh supply. Properly discard bottles past their prime to avoid accidentally taking spoiled medication. Check expiration dates and store properly to get the longest usable life from your Pepto.
How to Dispose of Expired Pepto Bismol
To safely dispose of expired Pepto Bismol:
- Read medication disposal instructions on the Pepto label
- Pour liquid medication down the sink and rinse with water
- Mix tablets with coffee grounds or kitty litter before throwing away
- Take advantage of community medication take-back programs when available
- Remove personal information from bottles before recycling or trashing
- Don’t flush medications down the toilet or drain unless instructed
Proper disposal of medications prevents misuse and protects the environment. Always check label instructions for specific disposal guidelines. Return unused Pepto Bismol to a pharmacy when possible.
Never take expired Pepto Bismol or give it to others, as potency may be affected. When in doubt, call your local waste management facility for medication disposal assistance.
FAQs
How do you know when original Pepto-Bismol goes bad?
Check for changes in the color, smell, taste, or texture. Pepto can go bad if it turns brown, smells sour or chemical, tastes bitter, becomes lumpy, or has particles floating in it. Discard Pepto Bismol if expired over 2 years ago or shows signs it is compromised.
What happens if you take expired Pepto tablets?
Expired Pepto tablets may be less effective or cause more side effects. But taking recently expired tablets just past the date is generally safe, with potency slowly decreasing over time. Don’t take tablets over 2 years expired or that smell, taste or look abnormal.
Can I use Pepto Bismol after expiration date?
Yes, you can safely take Pepto Bismol up to 1-2 years past the expiration date, as long as it has been stored properly and there are no changes to its appearance, smell or taste. Its potency slowly decreases but doesn’t immediately expire.
How long is Pepto Bismol good for after opening?
An opened bottle of Pepto Bismol stays good for about 1-2 years past its printed expiration date. Discard sooner if you notice any changes in color, smell, taste or texture after opening. Write the date you opened it to help track its freshness.
Why does Pepto Bismol turn brown?
Pepto Bismol naturally turns from pink to brownish over time as the active ingredient, bismuth subsalicylate, oxidizes and degrades. This color change doesn’t necessarily mean it’s unsafe but indicates it may be losing potency. Replace bottles that are brown to get full effectiveness.
The Bottom Line
Pepto Bismol does expire and can go bad over time. But an unopened bottle typically lasts about 2 years past the printed date, while an opened bottle is good for about 1-2 years after first using it.
Store Pepto Bismol properly in a cool, dry place to get the longest shelf life. Discard bottles that are very expired or show changes in color, texture, smell or taste. While taking recently expired Pepto won’t make you sick, it may be less effective so replace bottles yearly for best results.
Use caution with refrigerating Pepto Bismol after opening, as it can speed up degradation. And remember to always check the expiration date before taking Pepto Bismol to make sure it is still fresh. Pay attention to any changes in the product after opening. With proper storage, Pepto can remain safe and effective for temporary digestive relief long past its expiration date.
