It is important to know how long medications remain potent after their expiration date. Many people think that if a medication has expired, it is no longer effective. This is not always the case. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require manufacturers to test the stability of drugs past their expiration date. However, the FDA does recommend that, when possible, patients should use the newest medication available.
Miralax is a type of medication known as a laxative. It is used to treat constipation. The active ingredient in Miralax is polyethylene glycol 3350. Polyethylene glycol 3350 is also the active ingredient in other laxatives, such as Fleet Phospho-Soda and Goo Gone.
Miralax is available as a powder, which dissolves in water, and as a pre-mixed liquid. It is sold over-the-counter and does not require a prescription.
The expiration date of a drug is the date at which the manufacturer guarantees that the drug will remain potent. This date is determined by Stability Testing, which is conducted by the manufacturer.
Stability Testing is a process in which the drug is stored under specific conditions (temperature, humidity, light) and tested periodically to determine if it remains potent. The results of Stability Testing are used to determine the expiration date of the drug.
The results of Stability Testing are also used to determine the Shelf Life of the drug. The Shelf Life is the amount of time the drug can be stored before it begins to lose potency.
When a medication has expired, it may not be as potent as it was when it was first manufactured. However, this does not mean that the expiration date should be ignored.
The expiration date is a guarantee from the manufacturer that the drug will remain potent until that date. After the expiration date, the manufacturer can not guarantee that the drug will be effective.
It is always best to use the newest medication available. However, if a patient is unable to obtain a new prescription, it is important to know that the expiration date is not a hard and fast rule.
Medications typically remain potent for years after their expiration date. The exact length of time will depend on the medication, storage conditions, and other factors.
If a patient is unsure if a medication is still potent, they should speak to a pharmacist. The pharm
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Miralax powder last?
Miralax powder should be usable until an expiry date which is printed on the package.
When should I take Miralax ®?
Take MiraLAX ® before you experience constipation.
Is it safe to take expired medication?
Expired medications may still be safe to take, as long as they are otherwise unused and unopened. However, if the medication has been opened, or if it's past the expiration date and has gone bad, then it should not be taken.
How does Miralax work?
Miralax works by unblocking your system naturally, without harsh side effects. When the water in your body breaks down, it is released as hydration solutions and waste products. Miralax helps to retain these solutions in the gastrointestinal track, which keeps them from reaching your bladder and causing urine leakage.
Does Miralax expire?
Yes, Miralax- a product of Sanofi Aventis- will expire on July 2017.
Sources
- https://www.facebook.com/medschat/posts/is-it-still-safe-to-use-miralax-after-the-expiration-date-from-our-forums-hi-dan/10152055902081101/
- https://www.medschat.com/Discuss/can-i-take-MiraLax-after-the-expiration-date-302570.htm
- https://www.drugs.com/answers/miralax-date-polyethylene-glycol-3350-nf-powder-927553.html
- https://www.reddit.com/r/ibs/comments/99f9n2/does_miralax_expire/
- https://www.theimpact.rest/210-41/can-you-use-miralax-after-expiration-date
- https://www.drugs.com/answers/question-outdated-meds-3410498.html
- https://www.quora.com/Is-it-safe-to-take-expired-laxatives
- https://www.drugs.com/answers/miralax-does-the-discard-date-matter-if-the-490755.html
- https://www.miralax.com/faqs
- https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/07/18/537257884/that-drug-expiration-date-may-be-more-myth-than-fact
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325170
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