Medicines, like any other product, have an expiration date. But if food spoils, we can visually notice it, we know what will happen if we eat a product of poor quality , then what happens to medicines?
What are the dangers of using expired medications? Let's talk today about the expiration dates of ordinary brilliant green and iodine - the most used medicines in everyday life.
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Read about the expiration date and storage rules for rechargeable batteries here.
Does he exist?
Does brilliant green or iodine have an expiration date? Certainly. They also tend to deteriorate .
The shelf life of iodine is 3 years, this period is usually indicated by manufacturers on the labels. The shelf life of brilliant green is slightly less - 2 years.
But GOST establishes its own warranty shelf life (See GOST 4159-79 Reagents. Iodine. Technical conditions (with Amendment No. 1, GOST R 56145-2014)). What does it mean?
The guaranteed shelf life is the time during which the product you purchased will not lose its proper quality, that is, it will be absolutely safe for you.
Moreover, if you notice that there is something wrong with the product, and the warranty period has not yet passed, then the manufacturer can replace the product for you , and must do it completely free of charge.
So, turning to GOST, we noticed that there is no specific shelf life indicated there, but the warranty period for brilliant green and iodine is 1 year.
Best before date
There is an expiration date. For the liquid form of release it is 3 years. Markers or felt-tip pens and other forms of release are stored less often.
Closed
The expiration date is stated by the manufacturer and indicated on the packaging. It is 3 years, in rare cases 12-24 months. The period and storage conditions do not depend on the concentration. Available in 1, 2, 3 and 5%. Previously, dry iodine was produced to independently dilute the required concentration. Potassium permanganate was also produced. Today, pharmaceutical companies have moved away from this form of release.
Open bottle
There is no uniform expiration date for an open bottle.
When you return the sealed stopper to its place and screw the lid tightly, you can safely store it for 3 years. This rarely happens. The bottle is left uncovered during use. They do not always close tightly; monitor the temperature and storage conditions. The actual shelf life is 12 -18 months. After a year and a half, we recommend updating. How to store iodine:
- Insert the stopper and close tightly.
- Put the lid on and screw it in until it stops.
- Place the bottle in a bag and tie the top.
- Place in a dry, dark place.
There is iodine in ampoules. It is not stored after opening. The remaining unused product is poured down the drain. The container is sent to the trash bin.
How is it stored in the pharmacy?
As you noticed, in the pharmacy there are many different cabinets with bottles, tablets, capsules, etc.
All this is necessary to ensure that medications are stored correctly before they are used.
Iodine and brilliant green are stored in special dark cabinets, protected from light, drying (if the solution is alcohol-based) and high temperatures. You can also see cases where iodine and brilliant green are stored in special containers, as they have high coloring properties.
The pharmacy does not have the right to sell you a product that has expired, so check it in the same way as in a regular store.
You can buy iodine and brilliant green without a special prescription .
What is the marking?
If the bottle is in secondary packaging (cardboard box, etc.), then it indicates:
- date of manufacture;
- best before date;
- storage conditions.
On the label of the bottle, both in the absence and in the presence of secondary packaging, the expiration date and storage conditions must be indicated.
Storage conditions: in places protected from light at a temperature not exceeding +15ºС.
The expiration date is indicated in the format “Best before month/year”. It is generally accepted that the expiration date lasts until the first of the specified month. For example, “Best before 11:19” indicates that the solution is good until October 31, 2021. Read more about the expiration and storage dates of medicines here, and from this article you will learn where and in what form the date of manufacture should be indicated and how to understand indicated expiration date of the medicine.
Storage conditions after opening
In this case, there are certain rules developed by chemist experts in this field.
Iodine and brilliant green belong to the category of coloring preparations , therefore, they need to be stored in a separate place. In a medicine cabinet, iodine will stain everything nearby, especially at high temperatures.
We noticed that if you leave iodine in a warm place, then everything that stood nearby will turn yellow and smell of a specific smell (this problem especially often occurs among motorists who like to put first aid kits near the rear window of the car).
The best option is to store iodine and brilliant green in the refrigerator or in a dark cabinet (but not next to batteries!).
Close the lid as tightly as possible, and there is no need to throw away the rubber cap, which is most often found on jars, it will protect the surface from the release of vapors.
Do not store medicines in the bathroom, as the temperature is also not constant, usually medicines can withstand temperatures of 15 to 20 degrees.
read the instructions again ; they stipulate detailed storage conditions. Most importantly, keep medications away from children, iodine and brilliant green are not so dangerous, but washing your green face and hands afterwards is not so pleasant.
Thyroid Day. Let's talk about iodine
Iodine is one of the vital microelements, without which the normal functioning of the human body is impossible. It is essential for the formation and normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Other tissues of the body also have the ability to accumulate iodine: salivary and mammary glands, some glands of the stomach, placenta, brain, etc.
Why is there so much attention paid to iodine?
Without the participation of iodine, not a single process occurs in the body, because it participates in the regulation of:
- energy metabolism, body temperature;
- speed of biochemical reactions;
- metabolism of proteins, fats, water-electrolyte metabolism;
- metabolism of a number of vitamins;
- processes of growth and development of the body, including neuropsychic development.
But according to WHO, almost 3 billion people on the planet suffer from iodine deficiency. Why is this happening?
Causes of iodine deficiency in the body:
- Insufficient intake of microelements from food.
- Low human consumption of seafood.
- Lack of iodine prophylaxis in iodine-deficient regions.
- The presence in the diet of factors that interfere with the absorption and utilization of iodine (intake of excess amounts of bromine, iron, manganese, lead, calcium, chlorine, cobalt).
- Taking medications that make it difficult to absorb and utilize iodine.
- Iodine metabolism disorder.
- Increased background radiation.
- Environmental pollution.
In nature, the largest reserves of iodine are located in sea water, air and soil of coastal areas, seaweed, shellfish and sea fish. Other food products contain, as a rule, small amounts of this trace element. Mountainous areas are especially poor in iodine, where it often rains and water flows into rivers, washing iodine out of the soil. Therefore, the level of iodine in food products in iodine-deficient areas (milk, eggs, meat, grains, vegetables) is reduced.
In Ukraine, iodine-deficient regions traditionally include the Carpathian region, the Carpathians, Transcarpathia, and Polesie.
The need for a microelement depends on age, characteristics of the biological state, metabolism, period of life, gender, physical activity, the presence of chronic diseases and other factors.
A person receives up to 90% of this microelement from food and only a small amount from water and air. The connection between the iodine content in soil, water, food and the degree of goiter endemicity has now been fully proven. In the population living in iodine-deficient areas, the most often visible manifestation of iodine deficiency is endemic goiter (diffuse, nodular/multi-nodular, mixed), which has different sizes.
The solution to the problem of iodine deficiency is quite simple: you should ensure a regular supply of iodine to the human body.
How to prevent iodine deficiency?
The first place in the prevention of iodine deficiency is occupied by iodized salt, which includes potassium iodide. It is enough to consume 5-6 grams of this salt daily with food. But iodine evaporates easily, so iodized salt requires careful use.
- Firstly, the shelf life of such salt usually does not exceed three months and the expired product no longer contains iodine.
- Secondly, iodized salt should be packaged in an opaque plastic bag or foil and stored in a tightly closed container.
- Thirdly, you need to salt food after cooking it, since at high temperatures iodine evaporates quickly. Or you should cook it under-salted, and then add more salt in a plate to taste.
To prevent iodine deficiency, eat iodine-containing foods. To avoid iodine deficiency, you should include in your daily diet:
- seafood (mussels, squid, shrimp, caviar);
- white fish (pollock, hake, cod, etc.);
- seaweed (kelp);
- vegetables (potatoes, radishes, garlic, beets, tomatoes, eggplants, asparagus, green onions, sorrel, spinach);
- fruits (bananas, oranges, lemons, melons, chokeberries, pineapples, persimmons, feijoas)
- Iodine is also found in eggs, milk, beef, and walnuts.
Diseases of the digestive system can affect the absorption of iodine by impairing absorption in the intestines. Therefore, in order for the body to absorb iodine, it is necessary to eliminate dysfunction of the digestive tract.
But not only a state of iodine deficiency, but also its excess can lead to negative health consequences of varying severity. Iodine-containing preparations should not be used without a doctor's prescription. In Ukraine, drugs with a precisely fixed dose of iodine have been registered, which allows the drugs to be used safely, including for children of any age, adolescents, and women during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Health to you and your loved ones!
Literature:
- WHO Assessment of iodine deficiency disorders and monitoring their elimination: a guide for program managers. 3rd ed., 2007.
- UNICEF Iodine deficiency 2021.
- Article Current diagnostic solutions of clinical research "Assessing the level of iodine saturation in the body" ISSN 1680-1466' ENDOKRYNOLOGIA' 2021, VOLUME 24, No. 3.
- https://moz.gov.ua/article/health/chim-nebezpechnij-jododeficit-i-jak-uberegtisj
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How can you tell if it's gone bad?
First of all, look at the expiration date; if it has expired, do not risk it, it is better to throw away this drug.
By the way, there is no need to dispose of iodine and brilliant green in any special way; it is not so dangerous for the environment.
If you have green in your markers, then you won’t really understand that the expiration date has expired, it may simply stop “drawing” like a regular felt-tip pen. It will be easier to determine unsuitability in jars and ampoules
- Evaluate the consistency of the product; if it is not the same as usual, a little thicker than water, then the iodine is spoiled.
- Smell is also an important indicator.
- Also, there should be no precipitation under any circumstances.
Storage conditions for alcohol solution
There are special conditions for storing iodine. First of all, bright light and heat are contraindicated for him. Therefore, the product is placed in a dark, cool (+15°C) place. Like any medicine, iodine should be stored out of the reach of children and always in its “native”, tightly closed bottle.
Do not throw away the protective cap: it will keep the bottle closed more tightly. It doesn’t hurt to place the container in a plastic bag. If it is not closed as tightly as possible, soon the entire home medicine cabinet will smell of a characteristic “aroma” and may even partially turn red.
- Storing iodine in the refrigerator is a common practice for many families. But you should keep it on the door or in the lower part, where it is usually a little warmer.
- You should not choose a bathroom cabinet for this antiseptic. Frequent changes in temperature will lead to a rapid loss of composition quality.
- It is strictly forbidden to store iodine in the freezer. Its freezing below 0°C makes the composition unsuitable for use.
- If the temperature in the apartment exceeds +25°C, iodine should not be stored outside the refrigerator.
Is it dangerous to use expired ones?
No, not dangerous, rather useless .
Iodine no longer has those beneficial properties, but if a situation arises where iodine is needed urgently, it can be used.
It’s better to go to the pharmacy and buy a new bottle, since it’s not that expensive.
So, we dealt with iodine and brilliant green. Remember that the shelf life of iodine is 3 years, brilliant green is 2 years, use beyond the expiration date is not dangerous .
You need to store such products in the right place if you don’t want iodine stains on all your furniture, etc.
But remember that you need to be as careful as possible ; before use, it’s better not to be lazy and read the instructions, they will answer all your questions. Be healthy!
Interesting facts about brilliant green and iodine in this video:
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Medicines, like food, have certain deadlines for saving. However, food products are perishable.
And such drugs as iodine and brilliant green, in practice, demonstrate an unlimited time for their use. Proper storage of these antiseptics ensures their long-term use .
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Can I use expired iodine?
There is an opinion that iodine solution can be used no matter how long it is stored. After all, even after many years, its components will not turn into toxic substances. This is true, however, iodine and alcohol vapors evaporate over time, as a result of which the drug gradually loses its disinfecting properties. The wound is treated poorly, which can cause it to become infected. It is better to throw away iodine that has expired and buy a new bottle, because this drug is one of the cheapest.
Expired iodine is non-toxic, but the antifungal and antibacterial properties of the drug are reduced, and there is practically no benefit from it.
However, in some cases, using old iodine can lead to unpleasant consequences. This happens if the liquid has thickened, sometimes partially crystallized. It can cause skin burns even in an adult, especially in a child. If it comes into contact with an open wound, such a drug does not speed up, but worsens healing.
In order for iodine to retain its beneficial properties longer, after use it is necessary:
- Insert the plastic stopper into the bottle until it stops.
- Screw the cap tightly.
- Place the bottle in a plastic bag, twist the top part of it into a rope and tie it.
- Remove iodine to a permanent storage location, preferably on the door or bottom of the refrigerator, where the temperature is above zero. The drug cannot be frozen.
Do brilliant greens and iodine have expiration dates?
In general, iodine and brilliant green solution solve the same problem - provide disinfection , although each drug finds its use in different situations.
Many users are wondering about the timing of using brilliant green and iodine. Do they have any restrictions? Naturally, these most popular drugs in everyday life, despite their alcohol base, have characteristic spoilage properties .
The established shelf life of brilliant green is 2 years, and that of iodine is a little longer - 3 years.
This information is indicated by manufacturers on the packaging. Although, according to GOSTs of the Russian Federation (4159-79 - iodine), these products have a guaranteed period of only one year .
The warranty for the drug is commensurate with the period when the purchased product meets established requirements and is completely safe .
How long does iodine solution last?
You need to check the manufacturing date of iodine at the pharmacy at the time of purchase. In this case, it is advisable to check the degree of “freshness” of the composition immediately before using it.
If a product is sold without additional packaging, all necessary information about it will be present on the label. If there is a cardboard box, the production date and shelf life of iodine will also be indicated on it.
Regardless of the type of packaging, the shelf life of any type of iodine is 3 years in a factory-closed container. In this case, the antiseptic can consist of crystalline powder or have a liquid dosage form (alcohol solution) and is located in ampoules or a dark glass bottle.
After 2 years, iodine cannot be used to treat wounds. The dosage form does not matter at all.
The shelf life of iodine after opening is only 6 months. Even an alcohol solution loses its original quality, especially if it is actively used and the lid is not tightly closed. If the structure of the medicine changes, its use will be hazardous to health. And a powdered product, in the case of unsealed packaging, can quickly accumulate moisture, which also affects its quality.
Warranty period for using drugs in original packaging and after unpacking
Experts have come to a consensus that during the guaranteed period specified by the manufacturer, the quality of these products does not suffer , both after opening and in unopened packaging.
For example, by putting powdered fine-crystalline iodine in a tightly closed bottle, you can preserve its healing qualities for a longer period than guaranteed by the manufacturer.
Find out whether paracetamol tablets have a shelf life here.
Iodine storage
The drug is produced in crystalline powder, alcohol solution and in ampoules in cardboard packaging.
The shelf life of iodine is three years , but it must be taken into account that the solution must be kept closed.
If the container with iodine is not tightly closed, it can quickly lose its characteristics due to the evaporation of alcohol. As for iodine in dry form (in powder form), if it is not hermetically sealed, iodine is able to absorb excess moisture in the place of storage, and this is fraught with a complete loss of its medicinal properties.
The shelf life of iodine in ampoules is 3 years , just like the powder and alcohol solution. When taking the drug, side effects such as skin inflammation, runny nose and lacrimation may occur. Iodine must be stored in a dry and cool place. It is not recommended to use it after the expiration date.
After opening, iodine begins to lose its properties after some time. The alcohol evaporates and therefore all antiviral and antifungal properties are lost. After some time, the drug will simply be useless for use. The shelf life of iodine after opening is no more than 6 months .
The iodine solution should be stored in a dry place, protected from light and sunlight. It is also necessary to protect the iodine from drying out during storage. Iodine should be stored in a tightly closed container in a dark place. The same storage conditions must be followed for fine-crystalline iodine powder. To store the powder, you should find a cool place without sudden temperature changes.
If you place fine-crystalline powdered iodine in a closed container, it will retain its healing properties for a longer time than indicated on the package.
To avoid spoilage and discoloration of other medications, keep iodine away from them. Over time, iodine evaporates and can leave behind yellow stains on nearby surfaces or medications. A clear example of this fact is the car first aid kit, which for many drivers is located under the glass behind the rear seats. Due to the constant exposure of sunlight to the body of the first aid kit, the temperature in it increases, which contributes to the evaporation of iodine. After this, many drugs acquire a yellow color and a characteristic odor of iodine. So, to store a first aid kit in your car, you need to choose a cooler place or cover the windows with reflective materials.
Shelf life of iodine in the refrigerator
A closed vial of iodine can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 years .
Iodine that has already been used in everyday life can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 6 months with the lid tightly screwed on.
By the way, you most likely noticed one curious fact when using iodine - if you do not use it for a long time, the lid becomes difficult to unscrew. This is due to the fact that a crystallization process has occurred in the liquid.
Shelf life of iodine in the freezer
Iodine should never be stored in the freezer. The temperature for storing iodine should not fall below 0 degrees.
How to store in pharmacies?
We have all repeatedly paid attention to the many different cabinets with medicines in pharmacies.
This is a necessary requirement for proper storage of medicines until they are sold.
The brilliant green solution and iodine tincture are stored in special furniture cells.
They isolate drugs from light and maintain the required temperature.
In some cases, pharmacists store these products in containers due to the coloring capabilities of the preparations.
with the standards for saving pharmaceuticals for professional activities and business structures:
Saving medications in everyday life before opening the bottle and after
For these purposes, pharmacists have developed certain standards. First of all, solutions of iodine and brilliant green act as dyes; their preservation requires isolation from other substances.
Read the next article on how to properly store activated carbon.
An iodine solution at elevated temperatures turns all objects in the immediate vicinity yellowish and emits a certain odor.
Similar problems are most often encountered by motorists who store first aid kits under the rear window of the car.
The best option for storing iodine and brilliant green is a refrigerator or furniture compartment, protected from daylight and located far from heat sources.
It is recommended to use a little force when screwing the cap.
Also, do not get rid of the plastic or rubber cap, as the tightness will help protect against vapor emissions.
Do not store antiseptics in the bathroom due to sudden temperature changes .
The maximum permissible temperature for them should be no more than 20 degrees.
Please read the instructions carefully before use.
It specifies detailed storage rules. One of the main requirements is the complete isolation of these drugs from children . Their danger is not limited to any pathology. Just washing your hands, face and clothes won't be so easy.
Expired product
When the shelf life of the drug came to an end, everyone noticed that the lid did not give in. This is due to crystallization of the product , which makes the bottle difficult to open. This improves the tightness of the packaging, which is very important during long-term storage.
Looking at the packaging, determine the state of the substance. Under no circumstances should you use the product if:
- A sediment was found.
- We saw that the liquid had thickened.
- Noticed a change in the smell: it became weaker or stronger.
- We discovered that the iodine had dried out.
What happens during long-term storage?
Naturally, the medicines will not release moldy fungus and will not even change their smell. They will not lose their potential properties for their application. There will only be changes in their concentration and some antiseptic capabilities will disappear.
Read here how long a biochemical blood test is valid.
evaporates over time .
A fairly concentrated medicinal liquid remains in the container, which should not be used in the future; its beneficial properties will generally be lost.
