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Reconstituted antibiotic expiry — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyDispensing and SupplyReconstituted antibiotic expiryGPhC CRA

A parent collects amoxicillin 250mg/5mL oral suspension for a child. The label says 5mL three times daily for 5 days. The parent asks whether the bottle can be kept for future infections after finishing the course. What would you advise the patient?

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Correct answer: B — Use for this course and discard any remaining suspension after the advised expiry

Reconstituted antibiotic suspensions have a limited in-use shelf life and should be used for the prescribed course, then discarded safely. Keeping leftovers encourages inappropriate antibiotic use and may provide ineffective or unsafe medicine later. The dry-powder expiry no longer applies after reconstitution. Parents should complete the course as prescribed unless advised otherwise.

Reference: BNF; MEP; Product SmPC