Does Amoxicillin Liquid Expire?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses when amoxicillin liquid products expire.
Hello! I am wondering when amoxicillin liquid expires? I have an old bottle in my fridge from a few months ago, and I feel like I'm getting sick again. Can I use it?
Aug 03, 2021- Amoxicillin liquid suspension expires 14 days after it is mixed with water, whether stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature. After 14 days, the medication loses potency and should be thrown away rather than used. Refrigeration is preferable for storage because it keeps the temperature controlled and makes the liquid taste better, especially for children.
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!
References & sources
- Amoxil Prescribing Information — AccessFDA
- Stability of amoxicillin trihydrate-potassium clavulanate in original containers and unit dose oral syringes — PubMed
- Stability of aqueous solutions of amoxicillin sodium in the frozen and liquid states — PubMed
- Stability of oral liquid penicillins in unit dose containers at various temperatures — PubMed
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Suspension
- A liquid medicine where solid particles are mixed throughout but not fully dissolved.
- Dosage forms
- The different physical shapes and formats in which a medication is available, such as tablets, capsules, or liquids.
- Dry powders for reconstitution
- A powdered medication that must be mixed with liquid before it can be used as a medicine.
- Reconstituted
- Mixed together with liquid to create a usable medicine from a powder form.
- Potency
- The strength or effectiveness of a medicine.
- Augmentin
- A brand name for a combination antibiotic containing amoxicillin and another drug called clavulanic acid.
- Storage temperature recommendations
- The specific range of temperatures at which a medicine should be kept to remain safe and effective.
- Prescribing information
- The official instructions and guidelines provided by a medication's manufacturer about how to use and store the drug.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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