Using expired (year 1996) Vicks Vaporub?!


Question: Ever since I was young, I've loved Vicks Vaporub. Now, I've had this bottle for as long as I could remember - and used it last night (chest/back/feet) from having a cold. The thing is, I just noticed the expiry is October 1996! Opening the bottle, it both looks and smells fine. Are there any health concerns I should I be concerned seeing is how it's over 10 years old? Having had a few heart issues (palpitations) recently, I'm a little worried as well.


Answers: Ever since I was young, I've loved Vicks Vaporub. Now, I've had this bottle for as long as I could remember - and used it last night (chest/back/feet) from having a cold. The thing is, I just noticed the expiry is October 1996! Opening the bottle, it both looks and smells fine. Are there any health concerns I should I be concerned seeing is how it's over 10 years old? Having had a few heart issues (palpitations) recently, I'm a little worried as well.

Since it is not something you take internally if it looks and smells strong even though it is quite old I wouldn't worry about it. It will probably be fine.

You should have tried it on Mikey first! Report It


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  • I think you should be fine using it just once but throw it out now! Buy a new one

    Legally, all medications have to have an exp date, but does the medication know that it goes bad on that date? While 10 years is a long time, since you don't take the vaporub internally, like a pill, I'm sure it's fine. I have actually taken pills that have expired many years before, and they still work, with no side effects, if they are stored in a cool, dry place.

    When questioning the use of out of date external meds..just take a small dab and place on inner wrist..rub in and leave on overnight. If you do not breakout or see reddening on the skin..go ahead and use..it just takes common sense.





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