Pedialyte is an oral electrolyte solution manufactured by Abbott Laboratories and marketed for use in children. It was invented by Dr. Gary Cohen of Swampscott, Massachusetts.
Pedialyte is a class of dextrose electrolytes. Pedialyte is often used to replace fluids and minerals such as sodium and potassium from the body that are dehydrated in cases such as diarrhea, vomiting.
However, many parents do not regularly use this medicine and do not know how to store it properly, and can use it longer in case of need. Does Pedialyte have to be refrigerated after opening? Let’s find out the most effective way to preserve this medicine.
1. What Does Pedialyte Do?
Pedialyte is used to replenish fluids and minerals to help prevent or treat excessive loss of body water caused by vomiting or diarrhea. The body must have adequate amounts of minerals and fluids to function properly.
Pedialyte also adds electrolytes to the mix to help balance components in the body. In addition, Pedialyte often has sweet and aromatic flavors that make it easy for babies and children to drink and love.
2. Does Pedialyte Have To Be Refrigerated After Opening?
Unopened, Pedialyte can be stored at room temperature usually for about 2 years.
According to the manufacturer, you should throw away Pedialyte within 48 hours of opening because elements at ambient temperature can cause it to lose its effectiveness.
Once it has been opened, it must be used within 48 hours. Because when opening the lid, microorganisms living in the external environment can enter the drug whether from the air or direct contact.
If a person has bacteria on their hands, they can also get into the product when someone touches the mouth of the bottle. This is called induced contamination.
However, this medicine can still be used longer when stored properly in the refrigerator to last longer than 48 hours and avoid wasting money.
Bacteria will grow more slowly when refrigerated, but it will increase significantly over time. Therefore, keeping the medicine in the refrigerator will slow down the growth of bacteria, but it will not be able to completely protect the medicine from bacteria. Medicines can still lose their effectiveness over time when properly refrigerated.
Therefore, if you do not regularly use this medicine, you should choose powder packs instead of liquid bottles. The packed powder can be stored longer and avoid waste if you do not use it up within 2 days.
3. Does Pedialyte Expire?
Pedialyte usually has a shelf life of 2 years when unopened at room temperature. You can find the expiration date on the cap or the bottom of the bottle.
For Pedialyte powder packets, you must use them within 24 hours of being mixed. The drug will gradually lose its effectiveness if used for too long.
However, powder packs are easier to store and more economical than buying liquid bottles because they are broken down by dose and stored independently when not in use.
Disposable packets of Pedialyte powder allow for optimal use and reduce waste. They are also super handy to put in a diaper bag or take along on family vacations.
4. Does Pedialyte Go Bad?
The answer is YES!
As you know, any medicine when opened without being used up or stored improperly will lose its effectiveness over time.
Pedialyte is the same, when the medicine is opened, if you leave it for more than 48 hours at the outside temperature, it will allow bacteria to penetrate and destroy.
Therefore, you should store liquid medicines in the refrigerator to slow down the process of bacteria entering, multiplying, and destroying Pedialyte components.
5. Conclude
Pedialyte should be properly stored in the refrigerator if you want to use this medicine for longer than 48 hours as recommended by the manufacturer.
It is better to use the mixed pack form rather than opening a whole bottle of liquid. A packet of powder mixed once will help you preserve other packs of medicine better, avoid causing loss of effect for later use and save maximum costs when using drugs.
Hi, This is Emma Baster; As a mom, I spend my free time caring for my kids. I’ve read a lot on the Internet to improve my childcare skill and bring the best to my kids. Eruditemommy shares my knowledge and experience through helpful posts. I hope you enjoy them!
