Does Amoxicillin Liquid Expire?

Hello and thank you for your question!

Amoxicillin comes in both solid (e.g. capsules, tablets, etc...) and liquid dosage forms.

The liquid dosage form of amoxicillin is specifically a suspension, a type of liquid where a finely distributed solid, amoxicillin powder, in this case, is suspended in a liquid.

Amoxicillin suspension products are available in the following strengths:

• Amoxicillin 125mg/5mL
• Amoxicillin 200mg/5mL
• Amoxicillin 250mg/5mL
• Amoxicillin 400mg/5mL

These amoxicillin suspension products are stored in the pharmacy as a powder in a bottle (these are referred to as dry powders for reconstitution). Once a patient comes to pick up their prescription, the pharmacist will mix a defined amount of distilled water with the powder in the bottle, to create the suspension.

When Do Amoxicillin Suspension Products Expire?

All amoxicillin liquid (i.e. suspension) products, when mixed, are stable for up to 14 days when stored under refrigeration or at room temperature (68 to 77 degrees F).

After 14 days, the product has expired and any unused portion should be discarded.

In your question, you stated that you have an older bottle of amoxicillin suspension in your refrigerator from a few months ago. This product is certainly expired (anything after 14 days is expired) and should not be used. It will have lost significant potency over time and will likely not be effective in treating your infection.

Additionally, it is important to see your doctor for any new problem you are having. Just because amoxicillin was prescribed for your last infection doesn't mean it will be the most appropriate choice for your new issue. It could potentially even make the problem worse if it isn't the correct drug choice.

Should Amoxicillin Suspension Be Refrigerated?

Amoxicillin suspension products can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Either way, the expiration date of the product is 14 days after reconstituted (i.e. mixed with water).

I do want to note that the prescribing information for amoxicillin states that refrigeration is preferable. Per the prescribing information for Amoxil Suspension:

Keep bottle tightly closed. Any unused portion of the reconstituted suspension must be discarded after 14 days. Refrigeration preferable, but not required

The reason why refrigeration is preferable is two-fold:

First, keeping reconstituted amoxicillin suspension in the refrigerator decreases the chance that it will fall out of the storage temperature recommendations. In other words, the temperature is more controlled keeping it in the fridge.

Secondly, chilled amoxicillin suspension generally tastes better compared to when it is warm. This is an especially important point if the product is intended for a child. The easier to take, the better!

Final Words

I just want to note here that Augmentin products (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid) only last 10 days after they are mixed with water. Additionally, they should be refrigerated.

Thank you again for your question and I hope you feel better!