Expiration dates can vary widely between different drugs and formulations. For example, the dry tablet form may have a longer shelf life than the liquid solution. You should not use the medicine after the expiry date has passed.

The shelf life of a drug is the last date on which the manufacturer guarantees the effectiveness and safety of the drug. Providing full information about the expiry date of the drug and declaring it on the drug label is a requirement of the Pharmacy Law for all manufacturers before the drug is put on the market.