Karen asked
Hello. I just have a quick question about my Bactrim. It was good through February of this year (2020) I was considering taking them for a similar infection as before. Finances are a little strained because of the COVID-19 pandemic and I just wanted to make sure it wouldn't be harmful. Thanks so much.
At a glance
- Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) is an antibiotic combination medication approved for the treatment of numerous types of bacterial infections.
- Storage conditions such as humidity, temperature, and exposure to direct sunlight may affect the stability and potency of Bactrim.
- There is no sure way to tell if expired Bactrim has retained its potency and is still safe and effective.
- Even though you have an infection that is like one that was previously treated with Bactrim, it may be caused by a different type of bacteria and therefore may require treatment with a different antibiotic.
- For the reasons stated above I recommend not using expired Bactrim. You can try a prescription coupon website such as GoodRx to help save some money on your medications.
Answer
Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) is an antibiotic combination medication approved for the treatment of numerous types of bacterial infections.
It contains two active ingredients sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, both of which block bacterial synthesis of essential cellular components.
It is usually not recommended to take any expired medications, especially antibiotics. This is because the medication is no longer guaranteed to be safe and effective, and in the case of antibiotics, taking a less potent version of the medication may contribute to the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
The FDA specifically recommends against using expired antibiotics for this reason:
Expired medical products can be less effective or risky due to a change in chemical composition or a decrease in strength. Certain expired medications are at risk of bacterial growth and sub-potent antibiotics can fail to treat infections, leading to more serious illnesses and antibiotic resistance.
Additionally, you should only use antibiotics when directed to do so by your healthcare provider.
It is not recommended to "self-treat" as this also may contribute to resistance. Not all infections should be treated with Bactrim and although the infection may look the same, it may be caused by different bacteria and warrant treatment with a different antibiotic.
It is best to see your healthcare provider and allow them to diagnose the infection and treat it accordingly.
For the reasons stated above, I recommend not using expired Bactrim. You may want to try a prescription coupon website such as GoodRx to help save some money on your medications.
