Expert: Dr. Ravindra Bhaskar Ghooi - 12/20/2006

Question
my friend took an expired rx of augmentin xr to treat what she thoght was strep throat.  First, is augmentin xr even effective agaings strep, and second is it toxic?  The script expired two years ago.

Answer
Hi Vanessa,
Penicillin derivatives are often used to treat strept infections particularly of the throat. Augmentin contains a penicillin, amoxycillin along with clavlanic acid a beta lactamase inhibitor. If it has expired the drug will not be toxic, but may be less effective. On expiry most medications lose their potency and as a rule do not become toxic.
Ravi Ghooi