Yes, cephalexin can expire. Like all medications, cephalexin has a shelf life, and it should not be used after its expiration date. The expiration date is typically printed on the medication's packaging or the prescription label.
Expired medications, including cephalexin, may have reduced potency or effectiveness. Using expired medication can potentially be unsafe, as it might not provide the intended therapeutic effect and could lead to treatment failure. Additionally, expired medications may also degrade and develop harmful by-products, which can be harmful when ingested.
If you have cephalexin that has passed its expiration date, do not use it. Instead, properly dispose of the medication following local guidelines or return it to a pharmacy that accepts unused and expired medications for safe disposal. If you still need cephalexin for your condition, consult your healthcare provider for a new prescription.