Is Flagyl safe to take when expired?

[Cheryl C]

I was prescribed Flagyl for an infection in June '09 however the infection went and I didnt take it. The infection came back a few days ago so I took the Flagyl I was prescribed last year. Now im worried as the bottle from the chemist didnt have any expiration date so Im not sure if its expired or not & now ive taken it. Is Flagyl dangerous to take once expired?

[Nik]

There should have been an expiry date on the bottle and on the cardboard container it came in ?

[johnep]

Metronidazole is very stable substance. I personally would not worry. However, you should have completed the course last time and be obtaining confirmation of diagnosis from your Dr plus further treatment.
johnep

[roper]

If they were decanted from a larger bottle then you will not know the expiry date - it could be a couple of years, but the pharmacist is going to assume that you will complete the course as instructed, so would be justified in using up stock with only one month to expiry too.
Expired stock does not become dangerous overnight but we are working with a lack of information and would not be able to categorically state that they would be both safe and effective. We certainly don't dispense date expired stuff, even when the manufacturer cannot supply us. As you have already taken it I would agree with Johnep that it is not a big worry. I am just concerned about being seen to endorse this as I would not.