Q: I accidentally gave my child fever medicine that expired 7 months ago. Will they be okay?

Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD

Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD

This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Question:

My child had a fever in the middle of the night, so I quickly gave them some fever-reducing medicine. However, I checked the packaging this morning and realized it was expired. It is about 7 months past its expiration date, and I gave my child two packets. Will my child be okay? This is the first time this has happened, and I am very panicked.

Answer:

It is completely understandable that you missed the expiration date while rushing to treat your child's midnight fever. Taking care of a sick child at night is stressful, and this is a common mistake.

Regarding the two packets of fever reducer that were 7 months past their expiration date:

Current Assessment:

• In most cases, expired medicine simply loses its effectiveness rather than causing harmful side effects.

• Acetaminophen (the active ingredient in many fever reducers) is a relatively stable drug, even after its expiration date.

• Taking two packets of this expired medicine is generally not dangerous, though it may not work as well to lower the fever.

Things to Monitor:

1. Your Child's Condition: Watch your child closely for any unusual symptoms such as vomiting, skin rashes, or abdominal pain.

2. Fever Reduction: Check if your child's fever has actually gone down, as the medication's effectiveness may have decreased.

3. Storage Conditions: Medicines degrade faster if exposed to heat and moisture. It is generally safer if the medicine was stored properly in a cool, dry place.

Next Steps:

• If your child is acting normally and shows no unusual symptoms, you do not need to worry too much.

• If the fever persists or spikes again, switch to a new, unexpired fever reducer.

• For the future, it can be very helpful to write the date you open a medicine directly on the bottle or box.

When to See a Doctor:

Please visit a pediatrician or an emergency room immediately if your child develops vomiting, severe abdominal pain, a rash, or any other abnormal symptoms.

If there are no unusual symptoms so far, you can rest assured. You are doing a wonderful job taking care of your child!

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

fevercoach.us

Apple App Store

Google Play

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