How long is amoxicillin good for in the fridge?

In this article:

• How to store amoxicillin
• How long does amoxicillin last in the fridge?
• Signs that liquid amoxicillin has gone bad
• How long do amoxicillin pills last?
• What happens if you take expired amoxicillin?
• How are amoxicillin expiration dates determined?
• Can you save leftover amoxicillin for future use?

In this article

• How to store amoxicillin
• How long does amoxicillin last in the fridge?
• Signs that liquid amoxicillin has gone bad
• How long do amoxicillin pills last?
• What happens if you take expired amoxicillin?
• How are amoxicillin expiration dates determined?
• Can you save leftover amoxicillin for future use?

Amoxicillin is a generic penicillin antibiotic approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat a variety of bacterial infections of the ear, nose, throat, lower respiratory tract, skin, skin structures, and urinary tract. It can also be used to treat H. pylori infection in the stomach or intestinal ulcers. Dentists may also prescribe amoxicillin off-label (for a non-FDA-approved use) to treat a severe form of gum disease known as periodontitis. Amoxicillin can last anywhere from two weeks to two years, depending on the form and whether it’s been stored properly.

How to store amoxicillin 

Proper storage of amoxicillin varies by form, whether it’s a liquid, capsule, or chewable tablet.

Below are the recommendations for storing each type of amoxicillin medication, according to According to Michael Genovese, MD, a board-certified physician, attorney, and chief medical officer of Ascendant New York:

• Liquid amoxicillin: “Liquid amoxicillin, often given to children, must be stored in the refrigerator at temperatures between 35 F and 46 F after being mixed with water by a pharmacist,” Dr. Genovese explains. “Shaking the bottle well before each use is essential to distribute the active ingredients evenly. Freezing liquid amoxicillin can ruin its effectiveness and should be avoided.”
• Amoxicillin capsules and tablets: Dr. Genovese says that solid forms of amoxicillin, such as the capsules and chewable tablets, should be stored at room temperature, preferably between 68 F and 77 F. “These solid forms should be kept in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture,” he says. “Storing them in a bathroom cabinet is not ideal due to humidity exposure.”
  

“No matter the form, amoxicillin should always remain in its original packaging with a tightly closed lid and be kept out of reach of children,” Dr. Genovese says.

It’s crucial that amoxicillin isn’t stored in a warm environment. “While amoxicillin is usually stable for 14 days at room temperature, if it is exposed to prolonged temperatures above 77 F, the stability and effectiveness of the medication could be compromised,” says Jessica Iroanya, Pharm.D., BCMTMSI, a pharmacist and healthcare consultant. 

How long does amoxicillin last in the fridge?

Amoxicillin is stable for 14 days in a refrigerator after being reconstituted. Reconstitution is the process of adding a liquid to a powdered medication and dissolving the medicine to form a solution. “Amoxicillin capsules and tablets do not require refrigeration and should last until expiration,” Dr. Iroanya says.

Once liquid amoxicillin goes beyond the 14-day mark, Dr. Genovese says it can lose some effectiveness. “After this period, the medication starts to lose potency, even if it looks or smells normal,” he explains. “It should not be used past this timeframe and must be appropriately discarded.” 

According to a 2021 study, improper medication storage can be potentially harmful as the medication may degrade and cause unwanted side effects once digested.

Signs that liquid amoxicillin has gone bad

Dr. Genovese lists the following as signs that liquid amoxicillin has gone bad:

• Change in color (it may appear darker or yellow)
• Unusual or sour smell
• Grainy or clumpy texture

“If there’s any doubt about the medication’s safety, consult a pharmacist or healthcare professional,” he says.

How long do amoxicillin pills last?

Capsules and tablets, on the other hand, have a much longer shelf life when stored correctly. The shelf life of amoxicillin tablets and capsules is one to two years when stored at room temperature. “Always refer to the expiration date printed on the label for accuracy, which indicates the last date the manufacturer guarantees its safety and efficacy,” Dr. Genovese says.

What happens if you take expired amoxicillin?

You shouldn’t use expired amoxicillin. “The medication loses potency over time, leading to ineffective or incomplete treatment,” Dr. Iroanya explains. “Furthermore, changes in the medication could occur due to improper storage, handling, and contamination, leading to safety concerns.”

Taking expired amoxicillin could also lead to unwanted side effects due to the chemical breakdown of the prescription medication, Dr. Genovese adds. The potential side effects of taking expired antibiotics include the following:

• Antibiotic resistance
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Metabolic acidosis (a severe condition that develops when there’s too much acid in your body.

RELATED: Amoxicillin side effects and how to avoid them

How are amoxicillin expiration dates determined?

The expiration date of all forms of amoxicillin is determined through stability testing. “Stability testing is performed under controlled conditions to monitor for signs of microbial growth and degradation,” Dr. Iroanya says.

“For liquid amoxicillin, the expiration date reflects how long the medication remains effective after being mixed with water, which is why it has a shorter shelf life of seven to 14 days,” Dr. Genovese explains. “These expiration dates are not arbitrary; they represent the manufacturer’s assurance of the drug’s potency and safety up until that point.”

Can you save leftover amoxicillin for future use?

No. If you have leftover amoxicillin, it’s best to discard it to protect your health. “Amoxicillin loses its potency over time, which could lead to antibiotic resistance if unused portions of it are later taken for a new infection,” Dr. Iroanya says.

Antibiotic resistance (AR), also known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), develops when bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites no longer respond to antibiotics, making infections harder to treat. AR can develop from the misuse and abuse of antimicrobials, such as amoxicillin. This is why it’s so important to only take antibiotics when needed and to discard them after completing the prescription.

There are other downsides to taking leftover amoxicillin medication. “First, leftover antibiotics may not provide an entire treatment, which can lead to incomplete bacterial eradication,” Dr. Genovese says. “Second, not all infections require antibiotics, and self-diagnosing could delay proper treatment.”

Dr. Genovese recommends disposing of unused amoxicillin (or any prescription drug) through the FDA’s drug take-back program or by following your pharmacist’s disposal instructions. 

The bottom line

Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic available in the form of capsules, tablets, and liquid solutions. According to medical experts, you can preserve the quality of amoxicillin by storing the liquid form in the refrigerator for up to 14 days and keeping capsules and tablets at room temperature for up to two years. If you have questions or concerns about amoxicillin or other antibiotics, please consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for professional medical advice.