Shelf Life of Opened Paracetamol Syrup
An opened paracetamol syrup remains stable and can be used for at least 6 months when stored properly at room temperature, based on stability testing showing no degradation of the active ingredient over this period. 1
Storage Stability and Duration
Paracetamol syrup formulations (2.5%, 125 mg/5 mL) maintain their full potency for at least 6 months after opening when stored at room temperature, with no changes in paracetamol content detected by spectrophotometric analysis (HPLC) throughout this period. 1
The syrup remains stable with no significant changes in organoleptic features (color, smell, transparency) during the 6-month monitoring period. 1
Important Storage Considerations and Pitfalls
Crystallization of paracetamol can occur on the lid, walls, and bottom of the bottle, particularly during winter months or in colder storage conditions. 1 This does not necessarily indicate loss of potency but may affect dosing accuracy if crystals are not redissolved.
Proper storage conditions include keeping the bottle tightly closed when not in use and storing at controlled room temperature to minimize crystallization risk. 1
pH-stabilized formulations with appropriate preservatives demonstrate superior long-term stability and are preferred for both pediatric and adult use. 1
Practical Recommendations
Opened paracetamol syrup can be safely used for up to 6 months, though manufacturers may recommend shorter periods (often 3 months) as a conservative measure to account for variable storage conditions in home settings. 1
If crystallization occurs, gently warm the bottle and shake well to redissolve crystals before measuring doses to ensure accurate dosing. 1
Discard the syrup if there are obvious changes in color, odor, or if contamination is suspected (such as visible particles or cloudiness not related to crystallization). 1