Can Lianhua Qingwen Capsules still be taken after expiration?
Feb 06, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
Expired Lianhua Qingwen Capsules should not be taken, as they may cause gastrointestinal irritation, affect liver and kidney function, lead to drug poisoning, worsen the illness, or delay treatment progress, thereby impairing recovery. Patients are advised to seek timely medical attention at a hospital and take medications appropriately under a doctor's guidance, avoiding the use of expired drugs to protect their health.
Lianhua Qingwen Capsules are a traditional Chinese medicine commonly used for clearing heat, detoxifying, and relieving lung congestion. Expired capsules should generally not be taken, as this may lead to adverse effects such as gastrointestinal irritation, impaired liver or kidney function, drug poisoning, worsening of illness, or delayed treatment progress.
1. Gastrointestinal Irritation
After expiration, the components of the medication may change. Once ingested, they can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing adverse reactions such as stomach pain and diarrhea.
2. Impaired Liver and Kidney Function
Medications are metabolized through the liver and kidneys. Taking expired drugs increases the metabolic and excretory burden on these organs, potentially leading to reduced liver and kidney function, which is detrimental to overall health.
3. Drug Poisoning
Expired medications may develop increased toxicity in their components. Patients who ingest them are at risk of drug poisoning, which could manifest as symptoms like difficulty breathing and irregular heartbeat.
4. Worsening of Illness
Expired drugs lose their intended therapeutic effectiveness. Taking them will not control the condition and may result in further deterioration of the patient's health.
5. Delayed Treatment Progress
The efficacy of expired medications diminishes or disappears entirely. Patients taking such drugs will not achieve the desired therapeutic outcomes, potentially delaying proper treatment and impairing recovery.
Patients are advised to seek timely medical consultation and take medications appropriately under a doctor’s guidance, avoiding the use of expired drugs to protect their health.
