What should I do if I accidentally consumed expired cefalosporin that is three years past its expiration date?

Generally, the main steps for handling accidental ingestion of cefalosporin that has expired for three years include immediately stopping the medication, drinking plenty of water, monitoring physical reactions, seeking medical attention with the medication in hand, and inducing vomiting if necessary. In such cases, it's important to remain calm and take scientific measures. The detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Immediately stop taking the medication

Expired cefalosporin may have degraded and lost its efficacy, and could potentially produce unknown toxic metabolites. After accidental ingestion, discontinue use immediately to avoid further intake of harmful substances and prevent increased bodily burden or poisoning.

2. Drink plenty of water

Drinking ample water increases urine output, helping accelerate the elimination of the drug and its metabolites through the kidneys, while reducing intestinal absorption of harmful substances. It is recommended to drink 200–300 mL of warm water at a time, repeated several times within a short period.

3. Monitor physical reactions

Closely observe for any signs of allergic reactions such as rash or itching, gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain, as well as dizziness and fatigue. Record the onset time and severity of symptoms to assist doctors in diagnosis.

4. Seek medical attention with the medication

For safety, it is advisable to seek medical care promptly after ingesting expired medication, regardless of whether symptoms are present. Bring the remaining medication and packaging when visiting a doctor, and clearly inform them of the ingested dose, time of ingestion, and expiration status of the drug, so that appropriate evaluation and targeted treatment can be provided quickly.

5. Induce vomiting if necessary

If ingestion occurred within the past hour and there is no vomiting or impaired consciousness, vomiting may be induced under medical guidance. Use a finger or chopstick to stimulate the back of the tongue and trigger the vomiting reflex to reduce drug absorption. However, vomiting must not be induced in individuals who are unconscious or experiencing seizures due to the risk of suffocation.

In daily life, clearly label medications with their expiration dates and regularly dispose of expired drugs to prevent accidental ingestion. Always check a medication’s expiration date and physical condition before use, and do not consume if abnormalities are detected. After seeking medical care, follow the doctor’s instructions for examinations and treatment; do not self-administer anti-diarrheal, antihistamine, or other medications without medical advice.