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Accidentally given recently expired medi
I accidentally gave ranitidine syrup which is expired before 1.5 month, to my 3.5year baby girl after she vomitted food at midnight.. I cannot visit hosp right now bcs it's midnight..
I'm scared right now whether this recently expired medicine cause any harmful side-effects. Please clarify me..
Answers (6)
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Don't worry one time is not harmful
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Hello, I understand your concern
A one-time accidental dose of ranitidine that expired 1.5 months ago is unlikely to cause harm. Most medications, including ranitidine, do not become toxic immediately after expiry. However, their effectiveness may reduce over time.
If she’s active and not showing any symptoms, no treatment is needed. Just keep an eye on her for the next 24 hours.
Next Steps
Since this was just one dose, serious side effects are not expected. Still, if she develops any of the following, please inform us immediately:
Unusual sleepiness or irritability
Vomiting again
Stomach pain
Allergic reactions like rash or swelling
Health Tips
Please discard any expired medications at home. Always double-check expiry dates before giving any medicine. Feel free to reach out to us before giving anything if you’re unsure.
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A ranitidine syrup that expired 1.5 months ago is unlikely to cause serious harm, especially if it was stored properly. Expired medications may lose their effectiveness, but they rarely become toxic immediately after the expiry date.
Since your child has only taken it once, serious side effects are unlikely. However, you can monitor her for symptoms like unusual drowsiness, irritability, diarrhea, or vomiting. If any of these occur or if you notice anything unusual, seek medical help as soon as possible.
Next Steps
Keep your child well hydrated.
• Do not give any more of the expired syrup.
• If your child seems unwell or develops any new symptoms, visit a nearby hospital or pediatrician in the morning or immediately if urgent.
• Save the syrup bottle in case the doctor needs to check it.
Health Tips
(Optional):
In future, always double-check expiry dates before giving any medication. Store medicines out of children’s reach and keep a basic emergency contact list handy for such situations.
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Dr. Gopal Raut
Pediatrician
6 yrs exp
Hyderabad
1. No need to panic. Observe the child for the next 24 hours.
2. Watch for symptoms like vomiting, unusual drowsiness, abdominal pain, or allergic reactions — though these are rare and unlikely.
3. Hydrate the child well and continue regular meals if there are no symptoms.
4. Discard the expired bottle to prevent repeat use.
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Dr. Prathibha Reddy
Pediatrician
12 yrs exp
Hyderabad
No effect with one dose . Expired medicine has no action. Better Discard expired medicines . So tat it won’t happen again .
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Dr. Anjali Maini
Pediatrician
33 yrs exp
Gurgaon
Ranitidine which is expired just 1.5 months back should not cause immediate harm.
It’s not in that group of medicines to cause immediate side effects on expiry and it’s a single dose given
Health Tips
It’s good that you are careful but yes expired medicine should be responsibly removed
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.