DRUG SHELF LIFE INFO

Many people ask survivalist forums and publications about having a
supply of perscription medicines or antibiotics for use should the need
arrise. Various advice is given, ranging from using veterenary sources
to obtaining medication off-shore (for those in the US of A). 

Recently, a respected medical review published their opinion on antibiotic 
and other medication "shelf life" as it relates to expiration dates. Please
refer to The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics for specific
info, but several take-home points exist:

1. expiration dates are almost always 2 years after manufacture dates

2. pill or capsule medicine stored in original air-tight containers at
reasonable room temps and humidity probably stays good for 10 years or
so (except tetracycline antibiotics and some seizure meds)

3. NEVER take out-of-date tetracycline type drugs (serious toxicity may
result)

4. liquid drugs are less stable than tablet/powder/capsule meds. If you
need pediatric or liquid meds, see if you can get them in the pre-mixed
dry form and add liquid later (distilled water)

Not in the Medical Letter article, but pretty common knowledge among
medical folks:

5. Vet (animal) medicines do NOT conform to the same quality and safety
standards as "people" meds - caveat emptor! Nevertheless, they are
probably OK in a life-or-death situation.

What antibiotics do you need? That's best discussed with your doctor.
Best to pretend you're going on a long expedition or going overseas or
something.