4 replies to this topic

[red4tribe]

I have some minocycline that expired at the end of June. I want to go to the doctor but won't be able to for several weeks to get a prescription. Is this medicine going to harm me and will it still have any effectiveness?

[nomit]

Like other tetracyclines, minocycline becomes toxic (specifically, damaging to the kidneys) after its expiration date as certain chemicals in the capsules degrade and oxidize. That said, this isn't generally a concern in developed countries, so it's unlikely you'd suffer any serious adverse effects.

Why are you using such an old prescription for an antibiotic, anyhow?

Edited by nomit, 25 December 2011 - 05:36 PM.

[AKL]

nomit, on 25 December 2011 - 05:35 PM, said:

That said, this isn't generally a concern in developed countries, so it's unlikely you'd suffer any serious adverse effects.

Why is that?

Any reliable source will tell you never to use expired tetracyclines, as they can cause a Fanconi-type syndrome (excessive urine production and excessive thirst, together with nausea, vomiting, and many more serious symptoms that I'd have to look up).

[nomit]

AKL, on 25 December 2011 - 06:56 PM, said:

nomit, on 25 December 2011 - 05:35 PM, said:

That said, this isn't generally a concern in developed countries, so it's unlikely you'd suffer any serious adverse effects.

Why is that?

Any reliable source will tell you never to use expired tetracyclines, as they can cause a Fanconi-type syndrome (excessive urine production and excessive thirst, together with nausea, vomiting, and many more serious symptoms that I'd have to look up).

I'm not endorsing the use of expired tetracyclines; you should never gamble with your health.

However, what you're describing (to the best of my knowledge) is the result of archaic production practices in which ingredients used to suspend the antibiotic produce dangerous reactions to form the compounds responsible for described nephrosis. These formulations are less common in developed countries - that doesn't mean it's a risk worth taking. Even if you aren't injured by the expired tetracycline, you'd never experience the same strength of effects as a fresh prescription. That's just the nature of the beast. Toss the bottle & talk with your doctor about whatever you're looking to treat.

Edited by nomit, 25 December 2011 - 07:06 PM.

[AKL]

Thanks for explaining! It makes sense, although I haven't been able to find any resource on the manufacturing processes of minocycline, and how they may have improved over the past years. Anyway, even the information on leaflets today clearly state not to use it after the expiration date (some of them even add that it can cause serious damage to the kidneys), so i agree that it's better to be safe than sorry.