[Index]

MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION POLICIES

5.6 EXPIRY DATES OF STERILE PHARMACEUTICALS
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POLICY

Sterile pharmaceuticals must be discarded as per the following table unless otherwise indicated on the label.

 

Product Once opened or punctured, discard after:
Eye drops with preservative 30 days
Eye drops without preservative (commercial-    single dose) one use only
Eye drops without preservative     (manufactured in pharmacy) expiry date labeled by pharmacy
Vials for I.V. use with preservative 28 days
Vials for I.V. use without preservative 24 hours* (unless labeled single use only)
Ampoules single use only
Bags for I.V. use (with or without added drugs) 24 hours*
Bags for epidural use (prepared in pharmacy) 48 hours
Bags for epidural use (prepared in nursing unit) 24 hours
Bags/bottles for irrigation use (e.g. NS, BSS) (with or without added drugs)  24 hours* (provided only 1 entry puncture)
*NOTE: Stablility data may indicate that the solutions must be discarded earlier. Check the Parenteral Drug Therapy Manual or contact the pharmacy.