Unused Medicines: To Flush or Not To Flush?

The FDA recently launched a new Web page designed to let consumers know which unused medicines are safe to toss out with the trash and which need to go down the sink or toilet.

According to the site, almost all medicines can be safely thrown out with household trash after they are mixed with something unpalatable (i.e., kitty litter or used coffee grounds) and sealed in a container such as a plastic bag. However, there are some medicines that are especially harmful or even fatal in a single dose if they are taken by someone other than the person for whom the medicine was prescribed. These medicines should be flushed down the toilet or rinsed down the sink to eliminate the possibility that they could be swallowed by a child, pet or other household member.

You can also contact your local government to find out if your community has a drug take-back program and which drugs are accepted.

Click here for a list of drugs that the FDA recommends flushing. You can also visit Drugs @ FDA for specific drug labeling product information. Click here for Drugs @ FDA.