Expert: Barbara Judge - 1/1/2009

Question
I have an unopened bottle of amoxicillin which has been kept in the fridge. My doctor told me to use it only if my daughter's condition didn't get better. It hasn't, so I wanted to use it, however I am not sure how long it lasts for.

On the bottle it says discard, once opened, after 7 days. However, I haven't opened it yet.

My daughter is 10months old.

Should I just ask for a new prescription?

Answer
    If it is plain amoxicillin in liquid form it is only good for 14 days once it has been reconstituted.  That would be the date the water was added to the powder at the pharmacy.  If it is amoxicillin/clavulanate it is only good for 10 days once water is added to the powder.  These are true whether you open the bottle once you bring it home or not.  Any time past this and you would need a new prescription because the drug has started to break down.

Thanks

Barb Judge