Expired Tylenol with Codeine

Answer 1

It would depend on how old or how far past the expiration date you are talking about. That date is an ideal situation, not written in stone.

When I was in the Peace Corp, we used to collect newly expired samples and also get them from the drug reps to take overseas to places where we worked so the local doctor would have some meds to give out when needed for free. They would be newly expired, still in their little cases and inspected for any changes. You think they cared that the expiration date had past? Not at all!

Rule of thumb - If the meds have been kept in a dry, dark, clean place, but not in the bathroom or kitchen where it's more humid; if they have look exactly as they are suppose to - no color change, no crumbling, no slickness or other changes; If they are YOUR prescription I would say no more than a year over expiration date.

The Tylenol part isn't want loses effectiveness, it's the codeine that will break down and not be as effective (and in some cases, increase effectiveness).

Answer 2

My physician said that expired codeine is dangerous because it breaks down into compounds that can cause liver damage. I don't know the chemistry specifics.

Answer 3

Nothing. It loses potency over 10 years, but will not hurt you.