Can ear drops still be used after expiration?

Generally, ear drops should not be used after the expiration date. The specific reasons are as follows:

After expiration, the active ingredients in ear drops may degrade, losing their effectiveness in treating ear canal inflammation and infections, thus failing to relieve symptoms such as ear pain and pus discharge. More dangerously, expired solutions can easily breed bacteria and generate harmful impurities. When applied into the ear canal, they may irritate the delicate skin of the ear canal and the eardrum, potentially causing new infections or worsening existing conditions, leading to redness, swelling, increased pain, and even hearing impairment in severe cases.

Ear drops should be stored away from direct sunlight and high temperature or humid environments. After opening, they must be used within the time frame specified on the label and should be discarded even if not yet expired. Hands and the outer ear opening should be cleaned before use to avoid contaminating the medication. Seek medical attention promptly for ear discomfort and use only medications within their expiry period as prescribed. Avoid inserting objects into the ear canal unnecessarily to prevent injury and subsequent infection, and dry the ears thoroughly after swimming.