What is the typical shelf life of most unopened over-the-counter medications?

The typical shelf life of most unopened over-the-counter medications is around 2 years. This duration is based on the understanding that pharmaceutical companies usually assign expiration dates that ensure the medication's potency and safety for that time frame. After 2 years, while some medications may still retain efficacy, their chemical composition can begin to change, leading to decreased effectiveness or safety. It is essential for consumers to check expiration dates and adhere to them to ensure they receive the full therapeutic benefits of the medication.

Some medications may have longer shelf lives, while others, particularly those that are more sensitive to environmental factors like temperature and moisture, may not last as long. Therefore, when managing inventories in a pharmacy, it’s crucial to monitor and rotate stock based on these expiration timelines to provide the best service and care to customers.