Some drugs are stable and can be used safely for some time after their expiration date. Tetracyclines on the other hand may deteriorate if improperly stored or used after its expiration date. Degradation products may form which can be toxic.
Adverse effects of tetracycline degradation products include:
(1) nephrotoxicity
(2) acquired Fanconi anamia
(3) drug-induced SLE
These effects should be reversible once the exposure has been stopped.
Differential diagnosis:
(1) nephrotoxicity associated undegraded tetracycline in patients with renal disease
Expired tetracycline or tetracycline stored improperly should be discarded.
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