U.S. doctors online nowAsk doctors free
A 31-year-old member asked:

Is it safe to drink mom's codeine cough syrup that expires in 2008?

1 doctor answer1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Sue Ferranti
Internal Medicine 31 years experience
No...: First, only mom should be taking her prescription cough medicine. If you have a cough, you need to be evaluated by your doctor as you may not have the same diagnosis as your mom. Secondly, if the medicine has expired, it should be thrown away. Expiration dates are there for a reason and you do not want to risk your health by consuming expired meds.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

Similar questions

A 39-year-old member asked:

Is it still safe to take expired cough syrup?

1 doctor answer2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Malinda Linn
Family Medicine 16 years experience
Sometimes: Expiration dates are typically meant to be used as a guideline for how long the ingredients are considered "shelf-stable." you can often safely use things that have expired for about 6 months past their date but if you are unsure you should ask your physician or your pharmacist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Sep 28, 2016
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $19/month membership

Disclaimer:

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.