What is the expiration date of drugs? Table for essential medicines and medical products

Saline solution and its features

An isotonic solution is a medicine that consists of water and table salt. Sodium chloride helps maintain normal blood pressure, so it is often used for injection as a dropper. Through the inhalation of saline, it is possible to deliver the substance to areas of the mucous membranes that are currently affected by viruses and infections.

Important! The use of saline solution in the form of inhalation or nasal drops allows you to quickly moisten the airways, thereby improving the patient’s condition.

At the same time, the nasopharynx is cleared of excess secretions, and swelling and inflammatory processes are relieved. Sodium chloride is used for the following purposes:

• An intravenous infusion is given if a person shows signs of excessive dehydration.
• Medicines for intramuscular injections are dissolved.
• For cleaning contact lenses for eyes.
• Nasal rinsing for respiratory diseases.
• Liquefaction and removal of mucus from the respiratory tract.
• For inhalations, where sodium chloride can be both the main substance and an auxiliary.
• For cleansing wounds of various types.

Saline solution is not only one of the most important drugs in medicine, but also at home. If in clinics nurses monitor medications, then when using saline solution at home, few people think about what its shelf life is after opening.

How long can sodium chloride be stored?

Not many people know how long sodium chloride can be stored after you open it. To be more precise, one out of 10 people knows. This is not correct, since when using any drug at home, you need to know not only the features of its correct use, but also know the shelf life.

Important! After opening the bottle, you can store the saline solution for 12 to 24 hours.

After the specified time, an open bottle becomes contaminated with bacteriological microorganisms. Moreover, this applies not only to bottles that are without a rubber stopper, but also to those that have been opened and re-sealed. Sodium chloride, once opened, is no longer sterile, so its use intravenously or intramuscularly is strictly contraindicated.

It is important to know! Before you open a bottle of saline solution, you need to make sure that most of it will be used. If not, then it is better to purchase ampoules with a smaller amount of the drug.

After opening the bottle of the drug, it can be stored for 24 hours in the refrigerator. After the specified time, the drug is not allowed to be used for droppers and injections.

Shelf life of saline solution

Does saline solution have an expiration date? According to the instructions, the saline solution can be stored for 2 years in a sealed container. In this case, the form of release does not matter.

If sodium chloride in liquid form is prepared in the prescription department of a pharmacy or poured into a polymer container, its storage time will be shorter.

The shelf life of saline solution after opening is from 12 to 24 hours. In this case, the drug must be kept in the cold.

12 hours after opening, the composition loses sterility. For ampoules and plastic containers this time is reduced to 6 hours.

If the liquid is planned to be used for inhalation treatment, after opening it should be used within 24 hours. There is no need to remove the cap from the container. To collect the contents, use a sterile syringe with a needle.

When the shelf life of saline solution expires after opening, it must absolutely not be used for injections and infusions due to loss of sterility.

You should always correctly calculate the required amount of composition for a single use. If the procedure requires very little of it, you should not purchase it in large bottles. It is better to use ampoules or nebulas.

It is not necessary to rinse the nasal sinuses with a sterile composition. But it is better to draw it from the container with a syringe, and close the hole with a piece of sterile cotton wool.

If you make your own nasal rinse solution, it should be used immediately or within the next 24 hours. There is no point in saving it for later use, even if the storage conditions for homemade saline solution are fully observed.

Use of the drug after opening for inhalation

The effectiveness of saline inhalations has no limits. Most inhaled medications must be diluted with sodium chloride before use in a nebulizer. Mucolytic drugs are often diluted. To carry out inhalations using sodium chloride, you will need to use 3-4 ml of solution, and the procedure must be repeated every 3-4 hours.

It is important to know! Inhalations with saline solution are effective even for children and pregnant women.

Experts recommend performing inhalations using only sterile saline solutions. Filling the inhaler with non-sterile saline solution may introduce harmful microbes into the body.

If sodium chloride is used to rinse the nose, then it is not necessary to use a sterile liquid. When rinsing the nose, the liquid does not penetrate into the lower parts of the respiratory organs, so the probability of microbes entering the body does not exceed 10%.

Important! To increase the shelf life of sodium chloride, it is recommended to withdraw the drug from the bottle using a syringe with a needle. To do this, you need to pierce the rubber cap, and then draw the required amount of the drug into the syringe.

If the cap on the bottle of saline solution is already open, then the following methods may be useful to you:

1. Close the neck of the ampoule or bottle with alcohol-soaked cotton wool.
2. Close the container with a rubber stopper, then place a cotton swab on top, which must be moistened with alcohol.

This option for storing sodium chloride allows you to extend its service life up to 3 days for use in the form of inhalations. It is recommended to store an open bottle of sodium chloride in the refrigerator, and a closed bottle should be stored at a temperature no higher than 25 degrees.

Dry shelf life

Dry mass without breaking the packaging is designed for a long storage period. Opened packaging reduces the period of use to 2-3 weeks, after which it becomes unsuitable for feeding. Formula for newborns has a shorter shelf life due to the rapid growth of bacteria. For example, the “Nan” mixture can be stored for up to a month, and the shelf life of the “Malyutka” and “Malysh” mixtures is 3 weeks.

In sealed packaging

When the jar of powder is closed, there is no question of the period of storage of dry mass for feeding. Manufacturing companies always write the expiration date on the packaging and the conditions for further storage. For example, the duration of use of the “Baby” food is 1.5 years. The manufacturer guarantees the quality and safety of using the product only if all specified requirements are met.

On a note! When purchasing, you must choose a package or box without damage, a jar without rust.

After opening

Opened mixture is suitable for consumption for an average of 3 weeks. After this period, you cannot feed the baby, even if there is a lot left. After opening the vacuum packaging, the substances begin to interact with air. As a result, their properties change. The most common baby food companies try to indicate the permissible storage time on the labels. The shelf life of the infant formula "Nutrilon" is no longer than 3-4 weeks, "Similac" - 21 days, "Nestozhen" - about 25-30 days. If the color of the mass has changed, there is an unpleasant odor, or it is no longer crumbly but sticky, then the powdered product is spoiled.

Features of preparing sodium chloride at home

A saline solution can be prepared quite easily at home. After preparing the solution, it must be stored in the refrigerator, like a medicine. To prepare, you need to add 1 tablespoon of table salt to 1 liter of boiled water. The salt must be thoroughly mixed and filtered immediately before use. The shelf life of the homemade solution should also not exceed 24 hours.

In conclusion, it should be noted that the required amount of solution for inhalation should be prescribed by the attending physician. In addition, the amount of the drug depends on the age of the patient.

Source: ingalyatsii.ru

Characteristics of the drug

Saline solution is a dosage form consisting of a mixture of water and table salt. A product is prepared with a certain concentration, in accordance with pharmacological standards. Carrying out an inhalation procedure makes it possible to spray the solution and deliver it directly to those areas of the mucous membrane that are affected by infection or virus.

At the same time, the patient’s condition improves - the nasopharynx is cleared of excess secretions, inflammation and swelling are relieved.

For bronchitis

If inhalations are indicated for bronchitis, saline solution helps to quickly and effectively liquefy mucus and remove it from problem organs. Like any other medication, saline solution is used in treatment only as prescribed by a specialist. In addition, for inhalations, some doctors recommend adding medicinal herbs or essential oils to it.

From the pharmacy

Saline solution is sold in the public domain, without a prescription. The cost of the drug is affordable. The product is prepared in the relevant pharmaceutical laboratories, taking into account the norms and requirements for medications of this group and is released for use for various purposes. Saline solution is often used not only for inhalation, but also for intravenous and intramuscular injections when the body is dehydrated.

How to cook it yourself

You can prepare a saline solution at home, but you must remember that this product is stored in the refrigerator in a glass container.

The concentration of the solution is maintained based on the ratio - take 1 tablespoon of table salt per liter of warm boiled water. The mixture is thoroughly stirred and filtered before use. The shelf life of homemade saline solution should not exceed 24 hours, but you need to remember that no matter what conditions you prepare the product, it will not be sterile.

The doctor must determine how much solution is needed. He also prescribes a treatment regimen, which depends on the nature and nature of the disease, the degree of its development, what goals are being pursued (relieving inflammatory processes, eliminating swelling, dilating the bronchi for free breathing). In addition, the frequency of use and amount of saline solution depends on the age of the patient.

Understanding the expiration dates of cosmetics

Have jars and tubes been kept in your cosmetic bag for years? Conduct an audit right now! Using expired products means harming the skin. But how do you know when the time has come?

It's always a pity to throw away foundation or mascara, especially if there is still quite a lot of product left in the bottle. This is why many girls continue to use cosmetics that are expired, sometimes without even thinking about expiration dates.

And this can have negative consequences and not have the best effect on the condition of the skin - causing redness, irritation and other unpleasant “side effects”. The material contains more information about how to find out the expiration date of cosmetics and the consequences of violating these deadlines.

What determines the shelf life of cosmetics?

Let's start with a definition: the shelf life is the period of time during which, according to studies conducted by the manufacturer, a beauty product remains unchanged. That is, it retains a certain microflora, does not separate and remains in a stable state.

At the same time, the shelf life of products of the same category of beauty products may vary depending on the brand, since the composition of a particular product and the presence of certain components in it play an important role. Let's look at the most popular ingredients and their effect on the shelf life of cosmetics.

• Water

The first component in the list of ingredients of many products, on which the shelf life largely depends. The thing is that a humid environment creates the most favorable conditions for the growth of bacteria. So liquid products have the shortest shelf life and safe use.

• Retinol, vitamin C

These active ingredients must not come into contact with air. The fact is that they oxidize under the influence of oxygen and are destroyed.

• Organic Ingredients

Oils, plant extracts and other natural ingredients also do not stand the test of time - beauty products containing them are best used “fresh”.

• Waxes

They are quite resistant to external influences. Cosmetics containing them can last a long time. However, you should pay attention to changes in texture and smell - if it has become rancid, you should definitely part with the product.

These are just some of the components that affect the shelf life of cosmetics. In each individual case, you will have to carefully study the composition for the characteristics of certain ingredients. To avoid having to conduct private investigations, manufacturers indicate the shelf life on the packaging in the form of a date or a special code.

How to check the expiration date of cosmetics using batch and barcodes?

Let's talk about the codes that mark cosmetics.

• Firstly, on the packaging you can find a batch code - a special code combining letters and numbers, which is also a product batch code. It also contains information about the expiration date of the product. But the catch is that each brand has its own coding system, and it is not publicly available. However, this did not stop inquisitive beautyholics from creating entire databases of batch codes online based on information obtained from consultants in stores and brand representatives. This information is not always accurate, but among the most well-known and popular services are CheckFresh, Makeup-Review, DateCalculator.
• As for barcodes, contrary to popular belief, they cannot help with determining the expiration date. They encrypt other data, such as the country in which the cosmetics were produced, as well as the company that produced the product, but nothing more.

We determine the expiration date before opening the package

It is better to check the expiration date in the store. The fact is that beauty retailers often provide big discounts on those products whose expiration date is coming to an end.

How to use and store

Doctors today recommend carrying out inhalation procedures only using special devices - nebulizers. The device ensures that the drug is split into particles of the required size and aerated directly into the infected areas of the mucous membrane.

Whether you buy a solution at a pharmacy or prepare it yourself, before filling it into the nebulizer, it must be warmed to room temperature. Steam inhalers are also used for procedures. They are good in cases where the upper respiratory tract is being treated and targeted drug delivery is not required.

In ampoules

For inhalation, it is better to buy the drug in small glass bottles or ampoules. Ampoules of 5 or 10 ml are ideal for the procedure. Considering the short shelf life after opening, purchase as many ampoules at once as you need for the full course of treatment. If the solution is in a container with a tight-fitting lid, the remaining product after the procedure can be stored in the refrigerator for another day. If the ampoule is broken and it is not possible to seal it tightly after opening, the product can be stored for 10-12 hours. After this, saline solution will not only do no good, but may also cause harm.

Storage

You can often hear that for inhalations the expiration date of a saline solution does not matter, and even an opened solution can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days and then used. This is argued by the fact that saline solution is not used for injections, and simply plugging a broken ampoule with cotton wool soaked in alcohol can preserve the drug. This is not entirely true. The solution is stored exactly as long as written in the instructions for use.

Research has proven that such widespread use of this drug is due to the fact that germs and infections do not live in it. However, the fresh drug acts more quickly on the inflamed problem areas of the mucous membrane, being absorbed and immediately giving an effective result.

Source: nasmorklechit.ru

Types of drugs

What is saline solution used for?

The main active ingredient of saline solution is sodium chloride, which helps maintain normal pressure in the blood plasma and extracellular fluid. It enters the body along with food consumption and that is enough. But with diarrhea, vomiting and other pathological conditions, its intensive release occurs. And this is dangerous for human health, since the blood thickens, and therefore convulsions and muscle spasms, disturbances in the functioning of the nervous and circulatory systems can develop. Therefore, when saline is administered, the lack of fluid in the body is completely replenished and the water-salt balance is restored for a certain period of time.

The drug is used for:

• IV fluids for excessive dehydration
• Dissolution of drugs for intramuscular injections
• Removing toxic substances
• Rarely as a blood substitute during surgery
• Enema for insufficient bowel movements
• Cleaning the wound from harmful microorganisms during surgery, wetting dressings
• Eye washes for inflammation and allergic manifestations
• Washing contact lenses
• Nasal rinsing for acute respiratory infections, etc.
• Liquefaction and removal of sputum for inhalation of the respiratory tract

As can be seen from the above list, saline solution should be in all home first aid kits. But what are the conditions for its storage and how long is it good for after opening the container?

How long can you use the drug after its first opening for inhalation and nasal rinsing?

Inhalations with saline solution are very effective. Many medications must be diluted with saline before use in an inhalation nebulizer. As a rule, mucolytic drugs are diluted in this way. In addition, saline solution can be used for inhalation as a stand-alone preparation. It helps moisturize the mucous membrane. For inhalation, take 3-4 ml of solution every 3-4 hours. Such inhalations are recommended even for small children and pregnant women.

Important! For inhalations, doctors recommend pouring in sterile saline solution to prevent harmful microbes from entering the human body and aggravating the course of the disease.

And for simple rinsing of the nose, the liquid may not be sterile. But it's better to protect yourself. To increase the life of a large container of sodium chloride, it is better to take it with a syringe by piercing the rubber stopper. To rinse your nose, you can use this drug for 7-10 days.

But, if you have already opened the cork, you can use the following methods to close access to germs:

1. Push alcohol-soaked cotton wool into the neck of the ampoule or bottle.
2. Close the container with a rubber stopper and place a cotton swab moistened with alcohol on top.

For inhalation, the saline solution is stored in this way for no more than 3 days. Storage conditions for the drug are indicated on the packaging: temperature should not exceed 25 °

C. Pharmacists recommend placing an open bottle in the refrigerator.

How to increase shelf life

To collect the required amount of liquid, do not completely open the bottle. It is drawn through a rubber stopper with a sterile syringe and needle.

How long open saline solution for inhalation can be stored depends on how it is stored. If you close the container (ampoule, bottle) with a piece of sterile cotton wool soaked in alcohol and put it in the cold, this will allow you to preserve the composition for 2 to 3 days longer. But if the solution is needed for intravenous or intramuscular administration, no type of storage can be used. The remaining liquid is immediately poured out.

So, we found out whether saline solution has an expiration date. To use it as effectively as possible, you should choose the right dosage so that you do not have to resort to long-term storage. Despite its harmless composition, under certain conditions, sodium chloride solution can become a source of serious problems, including the development of sepsis.

What is saline solution

The basis of the medicinal liquid is sodium chloride, or more precisely, table or sea salt. The liquid is obtained after dissolving 9 g of sodium chloride in 1 liter. For home use, you can prepare the drug yourself, but for treatment you need to use a special pharmaceutical product. This drug is produced using a special technology, purified from harmful impurities, and can be used for injections and other medical procedures where sterility is required.

In terms of its properties, saline solution is identical to the substances present in the cellular space that maintain pressure in the plasma and inside cells. Due to this, the saline solution is used to quickly replenish the deficiency of elements that is formed as a result of dehydration, poisoning, and inflammatory and infectious diseases. The drug is capable of increasing the volume of fluid circulating in the body for a certain time, which helps restore the most important internal processes.

In addition, sodium chloride solution is used:

• To detoxify the body when damaged by harmful substances of various origins
• As a base solution for diluting drugs for intravenous infusions, infusions or intramuscular administration
• In some cases - as a blood substitute during operations
• For the treatment of colds
• In enemas to improve bowel movements
• For cleansing and disinfecting wound, purulent surfaces and tissues
• For washing eyes and nasal passages
• In inhalations as an independent means - for cleansing, softening and moisturizing tissues, together with other drugs - for transporting the smallest particles of the drug to the affected area.

The solution must be used according to its intended purpose. The pharmacy network has many drugs from various manufacturers that are produced for a specific purpose: infusions, dilution of drugs or for inhalation. Therefore, it is better for the patient to consult a doctor before purchasing and ask him which solution is best and how important it is to maintain sterility. And after that you can focus on storage rules and expiration dates.

Features of storing saline solution for injection

Despite the wide range of applications of sodium chloride solution, it is most often used in injections and infusions to cleanse the body and restore normal processes.

When carrying out detoxification, the solution is injected into the body, so particularly strict requirements are imposed on the drug. According to medical standards, the shelf life of the drug after uncorking the container in which it was stored is 12-24 hours.

But at the same time, you need to take into account how the bottle is actually opened: has the cap been removed or just freed from the aluminum crimping rim? In the first case, the shelf life of the product will be predictably shorter, since the smallest particles of dust, dirt, toxic substances, etc. will fall into an open container with a sodium chloride solution. Therefore, there is no need to talk about maintaining any sterility.

If sodium chloride solution is prescribed for infusion, then it must be used within 12 hours after opening, and only if during this time it has been stored under appropriate conditions - in a cool place.

If the cap was removed from the bottle, but the solution was not used, then even in this case the drug has lost its sterility, and it is better to use it topically. This product is no longer suitable for injection, even if less than 12 hours have passed since opening.

Is it possible to use expired saline solution?

If the storage conditions for the sodium chloride solution have been fully met, it can be used even if there are 5 to 10 days left before the expiration date.

If there is visible damage to the container with the drug, its use (especially for injections) will be hazardous to health due to the high probability of loss of sterility. If the composition becomes cloudy, flakes form, or other changes occur, it must also be disposed of.

Even if no visible changes are observed in the drug, but its expiration date has expired, it can no longer be used. Especially if the drug is in vials or plastic containers.

How to store the product for inhalation or nasal rinsing

Saline solution for inhalation is a popular and safe remedy that is well suited for treating very young children and expectant mothers. The drug is used as an independent remedy or together with other medications in a nebulizer. The solution is not used for steam inhalers.

When used in a nebulizer, a tiny suspension is created that penetrates very deeply into the respiratory system. Therefore, only a sterile solution must be used, otherwise an infection or foreign particles will get in with the medicine, which will cause a new round of complications.

In addition, it is necessary to take into account the amount of medicine that will be consumed. If very little is required for one procedure, then it is more advisable to purchase the drug in ampoules so as not to throw away an almost full bottle. In this case, you can take an unopened container each time and not worry about the sterility of the drug.

When using a solution for rinsing the nose, sterility requirements may not be observed. But to protect yourself, just in case, you can remove the solution each time with a sterile syringe through a rubber cap.

If you used the product in ampoules, then the remaining product can be saved until next time by plugging the hole with a sterile cotton ball. In the case of rinsing the nose with a saline solution prepared at home, it should be taken into account that it is better to prepare it immediately before the procedure, and if a large volume of the solution is diluted, then it should be used during the day. It is not recommended to store longer.