AboutBarbara Judge Expertise Outpatient pharmacy and general health. I have recently completed a Pharmceutical Care Certificate Program offered by Purdue University (Spring 1999 completion). I have personal experience dealing with terminally ill persons and their needs, as well as their families` needs. I graduated in 1984 from Pharmacy School and have been a Licensed Pharmacist since then. I have 18 years retail pharmacy experience. Prior to my pharmacy training I have 3 years hospital experience as a Nurse`s Aide.
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.
