What is the beyond use date for aqueous oral preparations?

For aqueous oral preparations, the beyond use date is set at 14 days. This timeframe is established to ensure the safety and efficacy of the medication. Aqueous solutions are prone to microbial contamination and degradation, which can affect the stability and effectiveness of the preparation. By limiting the beyond use date to 14 days, it minimizes the risk of patients taking a product that may have become unsafe or ineffective due to bacterial growth or chemical changes.

This standard is particularly important in pharmacy practice, where maintaining the highest quality of medications is essential for patient safety. Other choices for beyond use dates, such as 7 days, 30 days, or 60 days, may apply to different types of preparations, formulations, or storage conditions, but for aqueous oral preparations, the 14-day limit is specifically recommended to ensure that patients receive a safe, effective product.