When should medications be discarded?

Medications should be discarded when they are discolored, outdated, or expired because these conditions can indicate that the medication has degraded in quality or potency, making them potentially ineffective or unsafe for use. Discoloration may suggest a chemical change, contamination, or improper storage conditions, which can compromise the medication's therapeutic effects. Additionally, medications that have passed their expiration date may not have been tested for safety or efficacy beyond that date, and therefore, their use could pose risks to the patient.

Maintaining the integrity of medications is essential in ensuring patient safety and the effectiveness of treatment, which is why the identification of such issues necessitates their proper disposal.