Used Cyclogyl

[BramSki]

Hello,

I've been asking this question before, but I'm still not sure about it. Let me just explain it.

I have a 10ML Bottle of 1% Cyclopentolate Eye Drops. The bottle is opened, and I've been using it for 3 weeks, it has been standing on the table for 8 weeks now after I opened it. On the package is says 'Do not use 4 weeks after opening the bottle'. But it has been opened and used 8 weeks ago, since then it has stayed closed within the original package. I was wondering if I could still use it without getting weird effects in combination with my Atropine drops.

[BramSki]

Thank you so much! You have absolutly helped me out alot!

I extreme big huge vouch for you doctor! I'm going to use them without any worries now, cyclogyl in the morning and then Atropine in the evening. I'll try to keep them in a good environment. They've been kept already in the best possible environtment.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

The expiration date on a medicine is not the date it suddenly becomes ineffective or even dangerous to use. It's an inventory mechanism like expiration date on bread.  There is an ophthalmologist in our office that collects out of date eye drops and takes them to a third world country where he does missionary work and they are quite effective. Also the US government has a strategic stockpile of drugs to use in case of war or huge domestic disaster. About 10% goes out of date each year. They don't throw away out of date drugs.

If drugs have been exposed to extreme heat it can ruin the effectiveness even if still "in date".

Perhaps the best estimates are that drugs lose perhaps 10% of their effectivness each 6-12 months after expiration date if opened. If you're going to fret then go ahead and buy a new bottle.

JCH MD

[BramSki]

Thank you for answering, but I still have a tiny little question.

What happens to the Cyclogyl when it has been open for longer then the 4 weeks described in the Bottle. Will it become dangerous to use? Or will it just lose it's efficienty overtime?

The bottle is near half full, and 8-9 weeks old. Can I just use them without any worries? And for how long can I keep before I really have to throw them away?

Please answer this last question!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

You should ask that of your ophthalmologist. If it were my patient I would say its okay to use.

JCH MD