Motrin, also known as ibuprofen, is a common over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer. Like all medications, Motrin has an expiration date stamped on the bottle or box. This raises the question – if stored properly, how long is Motrin still effective and safe to take after the expiration date has passed?
What is Motrin?
Motrin is the brand name for ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain, fever and inflammation. It works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that trigger pain, fever and inflammation.
Motrin is available over-the-counter in tablet, caplet, gel caplet, and liquid suspension forms. Common dosages are 200 mg and 400 mg tablets. It’s often used to treat headaches, muscle aches, back pain, menstrual cramps, toothaches, colds and fevers.
Why do medications have expiration dates?
All medications, including over-the-counter drugs like Motrin, have an expiration date determined by the manufacturer. This is the last date that the drug company will guarantee that the medicine is at full potency and safe to take.
Expiration dates are very conservative to ensure people get the full effects of the medication. However, it doesn’t mean the medicine stops working immediately after the expiration date. Most medications are still effective long after the expiration date if they have been stored properly.
How are expiration dates determined?
For over-the-counter medications like Motrin, manufacturers conduct stability testing to determine expiration dates. Samples of the medication are stored at room temperature, both elevated and cool/dry conditions.
At set intervals (e.g. months), the samples are tested to measure the drug’s potency. When the potency falls below 90% of the labeled amount, the initial storage time becomes the expiration date.
For example, if during stability testing Motrin maintains 90% potency for 36 months at room temperature storage, the expiration date will be set at 3 years after manufacture.
Does Motrin immediately become ineffective after the expiration date?
No, Motrin does not immediately stop working after its expiration date when it has been stored properly. Makers of Motrin set very conservative expiration dates to guarantee potency and safety.
One study tested eight medications up to 90 days after expiration and found they maintained at least 90% of their potency and were safe to take. Ibuprofen (Motrin) maintained full potency and strength for at least 15 years when stored in the original packaging at room temperature.
Another study found that 90% of more than 100 medications were still good to use even 15 years after the expiration date. So Motrin can remain effective and harmless to take for many years past its expiration if stored correctly.
How long past its expiration date is Motrin still good?
There are no definitive guidelines on exactly how long Motrin remains good after the expiration date. But based on stability studies, Motrin products likely maintain at least 90% potency and remain safe for at least:
- 3-5 years past the expiration date if stored in the original container at room temperature below 77°F (25°C).
- 6-7 years past the expiration date if kept in the original container at cool room temperatures around 68°F (20°C).
- 8-10 years past the expiration date if stored in the original packaging at cool controlled room temperatures 59-68°F (15-20°C).
The shelf life is longer if the product is unopened. Once opened, discard Motrin one year after the printed expiration date.
What makes Motrin expire faster?
Heat and humidity are the main factors that decrease the shelf life of medications like Motrin and make them expire faster. Some things that can speed up expiration and degradation include:
- Storage in a bathroom, kitchen, or other hot, humid location
- Leaving medication in your car for extended periods during hot weather
- Placing near heat sources like ovens, dishwashers or radiators
- Frequent temperature fluctuations
- Improper sealing or closure after opening
- Keeping Motrin tablets loose outside the original bottle
How to extend the shelf life of Motrin
Follow these storage recommendations to help Motrin and other medications stay effective past their expiration dates:
- Store in a cool, dry place away from excess heat and moisture.
- Keep Motrin in original bottles or packaging until ready to use.
- Always close bottles tightly after each use.
- Keep away from direct sunlight and don’t refrigerate.
- Avoid storing in bathrooms with showers or kitchens.
- Avoid extreme shifts in temperature when possible.
How to tell Motrin is no longer good
Motrin that’s stored properly in its original packaging can be taken for many years after expiration. But here are some signs that Motrin may have degraded and is no longer good to take:
- The color, smell or texture have changed. Tablets may appear discolored or crumbly.
- The tablets have become soft, sticky or hard to separate from packaging.
- The medicine has a foul, vinegar-like odor or smells “off.”
- The tablets or liquid don’t have the usual potency or effect when taken.
If Motrin exhibits any of those characteristics, it’s safest to stop taking it and discard it even if the printed expiration date hasn’t passed.
Is it safe to take Motrin after the expiration date?
Generally, yes it’s safe to take Motrin after its expiration date, as long as it has been properly stored and there are no signs it has degraded. The effectiveness slowly declines, but studies show it maintains at least 90% potency for 1-2 years past expiration.
However, there is no way to know for sure how long after expiration Motrin is still good. To be cautious, only take Motrin for 1-2 years past its printed expiration date.
Never take Motrin that shows signs of degradation like color changes, foul smells or texture changes. Be extra careful giving expired Motrin to children due to their sensitivity.
What are the risks of taking expired Motrin?
The main risks of taking expired Motrin are reduced effectiveness and increased side effects:
- Reduced strength – Expired Motrin may not relieve pain, fever or inflammation as well as a newer supply.
- Increased side effects – Degraded Motrin can be more likely to cause side effects like stomach upset, heartburn, nausea, and stomach bleeding.
- Serious allergic reactions – Allergic reactions to Motrin are rare, but more likely if tablets have degraded with age.
- Toxic by-products – Over time, ibuprofen may break down into potentially toxic compounds that can cause harm.
Health experts advise against taking expired Motrin if you have sensitivity issues or allergy risks. The benefits rarely outweigh potential problems.
What to do with expired Motrin
Never flush expired medications down the toilet or drain, as chemical residues can pollute water supplies. It’s also dangerous to simply throw them in the trash.
The best way to safely dispose of Motrin is through a medication take-back program or designated pharmaceutical waste drop-off. You can also mix pills with dirt, kitty litter or coffee grounds in a sealed bag before throwing out.
Be sure to scratch out any personal information on prescription pill bottles before recycling or discarding to protect privacy.
Conclusion
The expiration date on Motrin is very conservative. With proper storage away from heat and moisture, Motrin remains safe and effective for 1-2 years after the printed expiration.
It’s best to only keep Motrin up to 12 months past expiration. Be on the lookout for changes in smell, texture, appearance and effectiveness. Avoid taking if degraded or you have sensitivity issues.
Always store Motrin properly in cool, dry conditions in its original packaging. Never take chances with giving expired medications to children. To dispose, use take-back programs or mix with unappealing ingredients before trashing.
