Neosporin is one of the most popular antibiotic ointments on the market. If you’ve ever had a cut or scrape, you’ve probably put Neosporin or similar antibiotic ointment on it at one point. Can you use expired Neosporin? Yes, you can still use it after the expiration date.
That Neosporin has an expiration date, like many things. Fortunately, the shelf life of Neosporin antibiotic ointment is quite long, but eventually, it will expire. Keep reading for more details on using expired Neosporin or other antibiotic ointments.
Neosporin Topical Ointment
Neosporin is a familiar brand of triple antibiotic ointment used to prevent infection of minor wounds. You may even have some Neosporin in your bathroom medicine cabinet right now.
A triple antibiotic ointment contains three main ingredients to kill bacteria and mitigate infection. The active ingredients are Bacitracin, Neomycin, and Polymyxin B.
Expiration Date: Does Neosporin Expire?
The FDA requires that all drug manufacturers put an expiration date on medications. Neosporin cream’s expiration date is about three years after it was made. Medication beyond its expiration date loses effectiveness or may sometimes become unsafe.
Can your Neosporin cream still be used if it is beyond its expiration date? The expiration date is a guideline, and the medicine may still be effective. Although, expired drugs can lose their effectiveness. Neosporin may still be safe and effective to use beyond its expiration date.
Is it Safe to use Expired Triple Antibiotic Ointment Like Neosporin?
Using expired Neosporin is generally safe. It will probably be effective if it is only a few months past the expiration date. Neosporin beyond its expiration date may not be as effective.
Neosporin that has expired for many years may not work and should probably be discarded.
All You Need to Know About Neosporin Storage Conditions
Store Neosporin in a cool, dry place for the maximum shelf life. Avoid storing Neosporin in areas that experience dramatic temperature and humidity changes, like your bathroom medicine cabinet.
I like to store my home first aid kit in a closet since it has a stable temperature and humidity. This area is also free of any light, which can cause medicines to degrade faster.
For information on storing things like food long term check out our post.
Overuse of Neosporin
Do not overuse Neosporin or other antibiotics. The overuse of antibiotics can contribute to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making things like Neosporin less effective. Use the minimum necessary to get the desired effect.
First Aid Kits
Neosporin is an excellent addition to any first aid kit. It can be used on many common injuries to prevent infection. Pay attention to the expiration dates of your Neosporin and other medical supplies and rotate them as the expiration date nears.
How To Use Triple Antibiotic Cream Neosporin
Clean the wound or cut.
Apply a thin layer of Neosporin or another antibiotic ointment to the wound.
Protect the injury with a bandage or sterile gauze.
Change the bandage daily or more frequently if soiled until the wound heals.
How to use Antibacterial Ointments on Burns
Remove any clothing covering the burn.
Run cool water or a wet cloth on the burn for 10-20 minutes to reduce pain and swelling.
Gently dry the burn and apply a thin layer of Neosporin.
Protect the burn with a non-stick bandage or gauze.
Change the dressing daily.
FAQ
Will expired Neosporin hurt you?
Probably not. At worst, the expired Neosporin won’t be as effective. It’s best to use non-expired Neosporin.
How long is Neosporin good after the expiration date?
Neosporin will probably still work fine a few months beyond the expiration date. Older Neosporin may not work well.
Is it OK to use expired antibiotic ointment?
Yes, if the ointment hasn’t been expired more than a few months it will probably work fine. Older ointment may not work at all.
Can I take antibiotics that expired two years ago?
No, antibiotics expired that long ago probably won’t work.
