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Would Constipation Medication Which Are 5 Years Past The Expiration Date Lose Their Potency?
Question: I have fairly severe constipation. It started yesterday, I think. I Do have laxative tablets (brand name Ducolax -- bisacodyl USP 5 mg.) but the box tells me they are 5 years past the expiration date. Do you know if this is the kind of medicine that can goad, or just lose some of potency?
Brief Answer:
Better not to take the expired medications you have at home
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Severe constipation is adequately treated with:
- Increase in fluids intake
- Limits in salt and other dairy products
- Increased fiber intake, psyllium or prunes supplement can help
- Take sena candies or supplement apart from Dulcolax
- Sometimes, anal enema can be also be of help.
- Simethicone and antacids can help with increased bloating.
With regards to medications you already have at home, which are expired, I do not recommend taking them for 2 reasons:
- The active ingredient is not active anymore
- There is high risk for an allergy reaction
It is better to buy another and follow the advice given above.
Hope I have answered your query. I wish you fast recovery.
Regards,
Dr. Albana Sejdini
General & Family Physician
Better not to take the expired medications you have at home
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Severe constipation is adequately treated with:
- Increase in fluids intake
- Limits in salt and other dairy products
- Increased fiber intake, psyllium or prunes supplement can help
- Take sena candies or supplement apart from Dulcolax
- Sometimes, anal enema can be also be of help.
- Simethicone and antacids can help with increased bloating.
With regards to medications you already have at home, which are expired, I do not recommend taking them for 2 reasons:
- The active ingredient is not active anymore
- There is high risk for an allergy reaction
It is better to buy another and follow the advice given above.
Hope I have answered your query. I wish you fast recovery.
Regards,
Dr. Albana Sejdini
General & Family Physician
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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