Cephalexin is an antibiotic that is commonly prescribed to treat bacterial infections. It belongs to a class of antibiotics called cephalosporins. Cephalexin works by interfering with the bacteria’s cell wall formation, which weakens the cell wall and causes the bacteria to rupture and die. Some common infections that cephalexin is used to treat include respiratory tract infections, middle ear infections, skin infections, and bone infections.
How long does cephalexin last?
The shelf life of cephalexin depends on whether it has been stored properly. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), cephalexin tablets and capsules have a shelf life of around 2 to 3 years from the date of manufacture if stored correctly. The expiration date on the medicine’s packaging refers to the last day it is expected to retain full potency if stored as recommended.
Cephalexin should be stored in a cool, dry place away from excess heat, moisture, and direct light. Ideal storage conditions are around room temperature, between 68°F and 77°F. Extreme temperatures can degrade medications more quickly. The bathroom medicine cabinet is often too humid. A bedroom dresser or kitchen cupboard may be better options.
Always keep cephalexin in its original prescription bottle or packaging. Don’t transfer it to another container. Keep it tightly closed when not in use.
How long is cephalexin good for after opening?
Once opened, cephalexin suspension liquid and tablets remain good for around 14 days at room temperature. Be sure to discard any unused portion after 14 days.
If refrigerated after opening, cephalexin suspension liquid can last around 10 to 14 days past the expiration date printed on the bottle. Cephalexin tablets and capsules can typically last around 90 days in the fridge after opening. Write the date opened on the prescription label to keep track.
Can you take expired cephalexin?
It’s not recommended to take expired cephalexin. After the expiration date has passed, the drug may not be as effective at treating infections. This is because the active ingredients can start to break down over time.
While an expired medication is unlikely to be toxic or dangerous, its potency degrades. Taking an expired antibiotic like cephalexin could fail to fully get rid of the infection. This also contributes to antibiotic resistance.
If your cephalexin has expired, the safest option is to get a new prescription from your doctor. Be sure to safely dispose of the expired medicine to avoid mixing it up with any unexpired cephalexin you have.
Does cephalexin lose potency when stored at room temperature?
Yes, cephalexin can start to lose some potency when stored at room temperature for an extended period of time. Drug makers thoroughly test medications to determine shelf life based on proper storage conditions. Deviation from storage guidelines can compromise stability and effectiveness.
In general, cephalexin tablets, capsules, and oral suspension should be stored at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F. Temperatures above 77°F may more quickly degrade the drug. It should maintain full potency for the labeled expiration date when stored correctly at room temp.
Refrigeration isn’t required for oral cephalexin, but can help extend the shelf life somewhat after opening. Freezing cephalexin for long-term storage is not recommended by the manufacturer or FDA.
Does heat degrade cephalexin?
Yes, exposure to excessive heat can degrade cephalexin over time. Temperatures above 77°F are considered too hot for medication storage. This includes leaving cephalexin for long periods in direct sunlight, near heaters or appliances, or inside a hot car.
Heat can damage cephalexin’s active ingredients, rendering the drug less effective. Degradation from heat exposure is one reason for expiration dating. Following the manufacturer’s storage guidelines helps ensure potency until the labeled expiration date.
If your cephalexin becomes overheated, it may lose potency before its expiration date. Look for signs like discolored or melted capsules or tablets. Overheated antibiotics should be replaced with a new prescription.
Can you freeze cephalexin?
Freezing is not recommended for storing cephalexin. The manufacturer advises against freezing oral cephalexin capsules, tablets, or liquid suspension. There is no evidence that freezing extends the shelf life.
Rather, subjecting cephalexin to temperature extremes could hasten degradation. The freeze/thaw cycles of freezing can damage the medication. Condensation from thawing may also negatively affect the pills or liquid.
Refrigeration is acceptable for short-term storage after opening. But aim for consistent room temperature conditions between 68°F and 77°F for long-term storage. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about proper cephalexin storage.
Does humidity affect cephalexin?
Yes, exposure to moisture and dampness can degrade cephalexin over time. The manufacturer recommends storing cephalexin in a dry environment protected from moisture and humidity.
Bathroom cabinets and medicine chests often have higher humidity that can shorten shelf life. Kitchens and bedrooms tend to maintain better temperature and humidity control. Wherever you store cephalexin, check that the area stays at a normal humidity level.
If cephalexin tablets or capsules become exposed to moisture, they may appear discolored or damaged. Liquid forms may develop mold or clumping. Discard any cephalexin stored in humid conditions and get fresh medicine.
Does light degrade cephalexin?
Prolonged exposure to direct light can reduce potency of cephalexin over time. The manufacturer recommends protecting it from light during storage. Intense light, such as sunlight or fluorescent lighting, can hasten degradation.
Keep cephalexin stored in its original container or packaging, which protects the medication from light exposure. Avoid storing cephalexin tablets, capsules, or oral suspension on counter tops or shelves near windows with direct sun exposure.
If your cephalexin pills look noticeably faded or discolored, light damage may have affected drug stability. Replace any cephalexin that was stored incorrectly in strong light and no longer appears intact.
Can expired cephalexin make you sick?
Taking expired cephalexin is unlikely to cause harm or make you sick. However, when antibiotics like cephalexin are past their expiration date, they may not work as effectively to treat infections.
Expired medications don’t necessarily become unsafe or toxic after the expiration date. But drug potency and stability diminishes over time. Weaker antibiotics allow some bacteria to survive treatment, which contributes to antibiotic resistance.
Using expired cephalexin could result in a lingering or recurring infection if the drug concentration is no longer potent enough to kill off all bacteria. Get a new prescription to ensure you complete the antibiotic course with full-strength medicine.
How should you dispose of expired cephalexin?
Expired or unused cephalexin should be disposed of properly to avoid harming the environment. Do not simply throw bottles of cephalexin in the trash or flush pills down the toilet.
Follow any specific disposal instructions on the cephalexin labeling. The FDA and Environmental Protection Agency provide these safe options for disposing of expired medicines:
- Take to a drug take-back location or event. Search for ones in your area.
- Mix pills with unappealing substance like dirt, cat litter, or coffee grounds in a sealed bag or container, then throw in your household trash.
- Remove pills from their original containers and mix all drugs together in one sealed bag or container before disposing in household trash.
Scratch out any personal information on prescription bottles before disposing to protect privacy. Proper disposal helps reduce drug contamination in landfills and water.
Can you take cephalexin after the expiration date?
It’s not recommended to take cephalexin after its expiration date has passed. While not directly dangerous, an expired antibiotic like cephalexin may have diminished strength and not treat infections effectively.
Cephalexin tablets, capsules, and oral suspension should typically be discarded after the expiration date printed on the prescription packaging or bottle. This date assumes proper storage at room temperature away from heat, cold, light, and moisture.
Inactive ingredients may also degrade after the expiration date, altering the drug’s properties. To ensure you get the full effects, do not take expired cephalexin. Get a fresh prescription from your doctor for the most potent antibiotic activity against your infection.
Can bad cephalexin make you sick?
Cephalexin that has expired or been stored improperly can lose potency, but is unlikely to make you sick. The antibiotic simply becomes less effective at fighting infections when degraded.
Heat, moisture, humidity, and sunlight can all hasten deterioration of cephalexin. Signs of bad cephalexin include discolored, crumbling, or moldy pills, tablets, or liquid. Using a compromised antibiotic could lead to recurrent or lingering infections.
While unlikely to cause adverse effects or toxicity, it’s best to replace cephalexin that wasn’t stored correctly per the manufacturer guidelines. A weakened antibiotic may fail to fully clear up a bacterial infection. Get a new prescription of cephalexin to properly complete your antibiotic course.
Is liquid cephalexin still good after refrigeration?
Properly stored liquid cephalexin can maintain potency for a period of time after refrigeration. According to the manufacturer, refrigerating cephalexin oral suspension after opening can extend the shelf life about 10 to 14 days past the expiration date printed on the bottle.
Be sure to store the refrigerated liquid cephalexin properly:
- Keep suspension in the original prescription bottle
- Store at 36°F to 46°F
- Keep tightly closed
- Write the refrigerator storage date on the bottle
- Use within 10 to 14 days refrigerated
- Discard unused portion after this refrigerated shelf life
If cephalexin oral suspension changes color, becomes cloudy, or shows signs of particles or lumps, it may have degraded and should be discarded. Follow your doctor’s instructions for properly using liquid cephalexin after refrigeration.
Can cephalexin capsules be stored at room temperature?
Yes, cephalexin capsules can be stored at room temperature. The manufacturer recommends room temperature conditions between 68°F and 77°F for optimal storage of cephalexin capsules, tablets, and oral suspension.
Storing cephalexin at room temperature helps preserve potency and prevents the medication from degrading too quickly. Capsules, tablets, and liquid should remain stable until the labeled expiration date when properly stored at room temp.
Avoid storing cephalexin capsules in places that exceed 77°F, like near heaters or appliances. Also keep capsules away from humid environments like bathrooms that could cause them to break down faster.
Does cephalexin need to be refrigerated?
Refrigeration is generally not required for cephalexin, according to the manufacturer. Cephalexin capsules, tablets, and oral liquid suspension can be stored at controlled room temperature between 68° and 77°F.
Refrigerating cephalexin is not typically recommended, except in the case of liquid suspension after opening. Unopened cephalexin medications can be left at room temperature through the expiration date. There is no evidence that refrigeration prolongs the shelf life.
If you choose to refrigerate cephalexin tablets or capsules after opening, they may keep for about 90 days. Mark the opened date on the bottle and discard after 90 days. Return to room temperature storage conditions if not finishing up cephalexin within this 90 day period.
Does cephalexin expire?
Yes, cephalexin does have an expiration date. When stored properly, cephalexin tablets, capsules, and oral liquid typically expire around 2 to 3 years after the manufacture date.
The expiration date is printed on the prescription bottle or box packaging. This date tells you the last day cephalexin is expected to retain full potency and be effective. After the expiration date passes, cephalexin may not work as well to treat infections.
Be sure to follow the storage instructions to prevent cephalexin from expiring too quickly. Keeping it at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light will help cephalexin last until its expiration date. Discard any expired cephalexin.
How long does cephalexin take to expire?
When stored properly at room temperature, cephalexin takes around 2 to 3 years after the manufacture date to expire. The expiration period can vary slightly based on the form:
- Cephalexin tablets: About 2 years
- Cephalexin capsules: About 2 years
- Cephalexin oral suspension: About 3 years
Exposure to heat, humidity, or light can make cephalexin expire faster than the labeled expiration date. Make sure to follow the storage instructions on the packaging and keep cephalexin in proper conditions for maximum shelf life.
Once opened, cephalexin also expires much sooner – oral suspension lasts about 2 weeks, while tablets and capsules may last around 90 days refrigerated. Discard any expired cephalexin as it may not treat infections effectively.
How should cephalexin be stored?
The manufacturer provides these storage guidelines for cephalexin:
- Store at controlled room temperature between 68°F and 77°F
- Avoid storage in excessive heat, moisture, and humidity
- Protect from light
- Do not allow to freeze
- Keep liquid suspension, tablets, or capsules in original packaging or prescription bottle
- Keep tightly closed
- Throw away any unused cephalexin after the expiration date
Properly storing cephalexin away from extremes helps prevent the antibiotic from degrading due to temperature, light, or moisture. Follow the package instructions for maximum shelf life and potency.
Once opened, cephalexin oral suspension can be refrigerated for 10-14 days. Tablets or capsules can keep for about 90 days refrigerated after opening. Discard any unused medicine after these opened shelf lives.
Conclusion
Cephalexin is usually effective for about 2 to 3 years after the manufacture date if stored properly. Keep cephalexin capsules, tablets, and oral suspension at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F and away from moisture, heat, and light. Refrigeration is not required prior to opening. Once opened, oral suspension keeps about 2 weeks refrigerated, while tablets and capsules may last 90 days refrigerated. It’s best not to take cephalexin past the expiration date, as potency declines over time. Expired or degraded cephalexin may not fully treat infections. Follow storage guidelines and discard cephalexin after expiration for optimal antibiotic activity.
