Shelf Life of First Aid Kit
You should check the contents of your first aid kit regularly and replenish any items that are missing or have expired. Most first-aid kit items have a long shelf life, but there are a few exceptions. Here is a list of common first-aid kit items and how long you can expect them to last.
Medications
All medications have an expiration date. After the expiration date, the chemical composition of the medication can break down and it may not work properly. It is important to check the expiration dates on all medications and replace them as needed. The following is a guideline for replacing common medications:
-Aspirin: 3 years
-Antibiotic ointment: 5 years
-Calamine lotion: 2 years
-antiseptic wipes: 2 years
-hydrocortisone cream: 2 years
Antiseptics
An antiseptic is a substance that prevents the growth of microorganisms. Antiseptics are used on living tissue to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis, or putrefaction. Examples of antiseptics are alcohol, iodine, and hydrogen peroxide.
First aid kits often contain alcohol swabs and hydrogen peroxide for cleaning wounds. It is important to know the shelf life of these items so that they can be replaced when necessary.
Alcohol swabs have a shelf life of 2-3 years. Hydrogen peroxide has a shelf life of 3 years.
When to Re-stock the First Aid Kit
A well-stocked first-aid kit, kept within easy reach, is a necessity in every home. It should be checked monthly and restocked as needed so that supplies do not expire. So, how long can you keep the first aid kit and when do you need to re-stock it?
Medications
-ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 4 years -acetaminophen (Tylenol) 2 years -naproxen sodium (Aleve) 2 years -aspirin 3 years -loperamide hydrochloride (Imodium AD) 2 years -diphenhydramine hydrochloride (Benadryl) 1 year
Antiseptics
Antiseptics are substances that kill or prevent the growth of microorganisms on living tissues or objects. Most commonly used antiseptics are for topical application and used to prevent infection from wounds. There are also internal and portable antiseptics available which may come in many different forms such as liquids, powders, ointments, etc. Many over-the-counter (OTC) products today contain some type of antiseptic. When choosing an OTC product, look for one with at least 60% alcohol as the active ingredient.
There are many different types and brands of antiseptic solutions on the market. Choose one that is right for you and your family. Be sure to read all labels carefully and follow the directions for use. Some products may not be suitable for young children or pregnant women. If you have any questions, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider before using any product. It is also a good idea to keep a list of all the products you use in your first aid kit in case you need to replace anything