Can You Take Expired DayQuil?

Answer

Thanks for your question! In general, medication should not be used past the expiration date, and this includes DayQuil.

There is no guarantee that the DayQuil can still be considered safe and effective, especially that long after expiration. It's entirely possible that the medication begins to lose its potency over time, which means it may not work as it is supposed to. It is much better to be on the safe side and not take expired medication.

Potential Problems With Expired DayQuil

The FDA has a special publication that addresses the question of using expired medication. In most cases, it is the FDA's position also that taking expired medications is not worth the risk, and this is for a few reasons, including:

• It cannot be determined that the medication in question will still work as it was intended.
• Having expired medication in the house potentially poses a risk to children and pets if accidentally ingested.  It is much better to dispose of the medication properly once the therapy is completed or the medication expires.
• Certain expired medications are at risk of bacterial growth

While medication may "look okay", the possibility exists that there could be bacterial growth.  Medications improperly stored in hot, damp places can also lead to problems with the stability of the medication. It is best to store medications in a cool, dry place or as indicated on the prescription to preserve the effectiveness of the medication until the expiration date. 

Are There Cases Where Expired Drugs Are Safe?

Although the general recommendation is to not take expired medications, there are some cases where it may be safe. In fact, studies evaluating expired drugs often find that the vast majority are still nearly as potent as they were when they were in date. Additionally, the vast majority of drugs don't break down into dangerous components over time.

For this reason, the FDA created the 'Shelf Life Extension Program', which stores select drugs that have expired in case of emergencies, such as certain antibiotics and other anti-infective medications.

However, in a case like DayQuil, a drug that is readily available over the counter and is used for cold/flu symptoms, there just isn't a need to risk taking it when it is expired. You should replace your expired product with one that is in date.

Final Words

While it may be tempting to take the expired DayQuil, it is much safer if a new bottle is bought.  Taking expired medication is an unknown risk that should not be taken.