What is the proper expiration date that should be used when typing a prescription?

In the context of typing a prescription, the proper expiration date to use is typically one year from the date the prescription is filled. This is in line with standard pharmacy practice guidelines, which state that for most medications, if no specific expiration date is provided by the manufacturer, the pharmacist can allocate a standard one-year expiration. This timeframe allows for a reasonable duration in which the patient can use the medication while also ensuring that the medication's efficacy and safety are still within acceptable limits.

While manufacturers may provide specific expiration dates for individual medications, generally, the one-year expiration helps streamline the process and categorizes medications that do not have strict expiration conditions. This is especially important for ensuring patient safety and medication efficacy, as using medications beyond their intended shelf life can pose risks. In situations where an expiration date is indicated by the manufacturer, it would take precedence. However, for standard reference in daily practice, the one-year expiration is the most commonly applied guideline.