Medications SMZ Fluid. - Guinea Pig Cages, Care, Store, Photos of Guinea Pigs and More Forum!

**SFailed186** · #1 09-01-09, 05:27 am

Several months ago, Freya was prescribed SMZ for an infection and she was on it for about one week before she was better. Well, I was wondering what the shelf life for this medication is? The other day, I looked at the bottle and it looks like the fluid at the bottom is starting to thicken up. Would this be a reason to pitch it? Or is the fluid that is still actually fluid ok to use? I am not asking this because Freya needs it at this moment in time, but I am asking just in case. Because, if SMZ was needed again and the stuff that I still have is ok, then I would rather not add an extra bottle/cost. Thank you in advance!

**juliaaa** · #2 09-01-09, 06:11 am

Is it possible that it's just settling? Did you try shaking it up to see if it would become a homogeneous mixture again?

**Amiee** · #3 09-01-09, 06:19 am

Does it have an expiry date? Those are usually a good indication if it's still ok to use.

Also, is it an antibiotic? (Sorry, don't know my drugs!) If it is, why did you not finish what you were given. You should always finish an antibiotic prescription to help avoid spreading antibiotic resistance.

If it's not an antibiotic, please ignore my little speech :).

**vicky2** · #4 09-01-09, 08:06 am

It's just settling at the bottom. If you shake it it'll be fine.
It usually says in the bottom right corner of the label on it; look over the label.

**pringles70** · #5 09-01-09, 08:12 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amiee

Does it have an expiry date? Those are usually a good indication if it's still ok to use.

Also, is it an antibiotic? (Sorry, don't know my drugs!) If it is, why did you not finish what you were given. You should always finish an antibiotic prescription to help avoid spreading antibiotic resistance.

If it's not an antibiotic, please ignore my little speech :).

SMZ is an antibiotic. But I am fairly sure that it's for her guinea pig. They always give you too much, or at least mine does.

**vicky2** · #6 09-01-09, 08:32 am

Same here, my vet gave me two antibiotics and both of them are too big.

**SFailed186** · #7 09-01-09, 03:35 pm

Quote:

Is it possible that it's just settling? Did you try shaking it up to see if it would become a homogeneous mixture again?

I tried shaking it, but it seems pretty stuck in there, almost like it has hardened.

Quote:

Does it have an expiry date? Those are usually a good indication if it's still ok to use. Also, is it an antibiotic? (Sorry, don't know my drugs!) If it is, why did you not finish what you were given. You should always finish an antibiotic prescription to help avoid spreading antibiotic resistance.

It is an antibiotic. Our vet gave us a decently large bottle and told us when she was done with the medication. We have about a half of a bottle left.

Quote:

It's just settling at the bottom. If you shake it it'll be fine.
It usually says in the bottom right corner of the label on it; look over the label.

We were not given an "original" bottle so-to-speak. The label on it just says Freya's name and the dosage.

**Ly&Pigs** · #8 09-01-09, 03:57 pm

If there are any questions about shelf life, you should call and ask your vet's office.

If it's hardening in the bottom, you could try stirring it up with something that you can get down into the bottle. If it doesn't want to stir or shake though, it most likely would be better to throw it out.