{"id":85516,"date":"2025-05-08T20:26:15","date_gmt":"2025-05-08T20:26:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/85516\/"},"modified":"2025-05-08T20:26:15","modified_gmt":"2025-05-08T20:26:15","slug":"what-happens-if-you-use-cough-syrups-after-a-month-of-opening-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/85516\/","title":{"rendered":"What happens if you use cough syrups after a month of opening them?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pediatrician Dr Saurabh Kapoor recently cautioned against using opened cough syrups<\/a><\/strong> beyond a month. \u201cOnce opened, don\u2019t keep any cough syrup beyond a month. They have to be discarded after a month as their potency goes down. In this case, don\u2019t go by the expiry date. Once opened, don\u2019t follow the expiry date,\u201d he said on a podcast with Harman Hardy, adding that the advice applies to children and adults.<\/p>\n

To verify this, we reached out to other experts.<\/p>\n

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Dr Paritosh Baghel, senior consultant, internal medicine, S L Raheja Hospital\u2014A Fortis Associate\u2014said syrups of various kinds are used to treat multiple medical ailments,<\/strong><\/a> ranging from coughs and colds to constipation and other illnesses.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is advisable to consume medication that comes in syrup as per a doctor\u2019s prescription. Patients often do not finish these bottles for syrup and keep them away for use later, if similar symptoms arise, as these bottles have lengthy expiry dates. However, we should be aware that using previously opened bottles of medicines later may be associated with many risks,\u201d said Dr Baghel.<\/p>\n

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\"digestion\" Cotaminated syrups can cause digestive issues (Photo: Getty Images\/Thinkstock)<\/p>\n

Dr Shrey Srivastav, MD (internal medicine), consultant physician, Sharda Hospital, Greater Noida, concurred and shared that opened syrups should not be used beyond a month due to contamination risk as the exposure to air and bacteria can lead to microbial growth. \u201cActive ingredients<\/a><\/strong> may degrade, making the syrup less effective,\u201d said Dr Srivastav, adding breakdown of components can create harmful byproducts.<\/p>\n

What happens if you use such syrups?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dr Baghel said that the effectiveness of these syrups may be diminished, they may not act well at a later date, and may not bring the intended relief. \u201cYou may also end up using large quantities of it since it will not work as prescribed,\u201d said Dr Baghel.<\/p>\n

\"Festive<\/a><\/p>\n

According to Dr Baghel, they may be contaminated with bacteria or fungi, as most of these syrups are sugar-based and hence have a high chance of contamination if not stored in an airtight bottle. \u201cThe risk of getting a new infection or gastric upset because of the contamination is possible,\u201d said Dr Baghel.<\/p>\n

If you notice any changes in taste, colour, or mould or unusual growth inside the bottle, discard it immediately to avoid potential health risks<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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\u201cLastly, and most importantly, strictly avoid self-medicating, especially with syrups or other prescription medicines, as it can lead to unintended side effects, misuse, or harmful interactions with other medications. Always consume medications after taking doctor\u2019s advice,\u201d said Dr Baghel.<\/p>\n

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DISCLAIMER:\u00a0This article is based on information from the public domain and\/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.<\/p>\n

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