Paracetamol (Acetaminophen), antibiotics don't work in outer space

Common drugs like paracetamol and antibiotics often lose their potency in outer space and would be useless for astronauts who are experiencing headaches or fighting infections, say researchers

The peculiar conditions away from the earth, including weaker gravity and higher radiation, could be to blame, says new research by NASA’s Johnson Space Centre.

On earth, medicines retain their effectiveness for a couple of years from the date of manufacture, but only after they are stored away from sunlight or in a cool, dry space.
With longer space missions increasing the need for astronauts to take medicines, the study authors investigated whether the unique environment of space — including radiation, vibrations, microgravity, a carbon dioxide-rich environment and variations in humidity and temperature — affected effectiveness of the drugs, reported the Daily Mail.

Four boxes of drugs, containing 35 different medications, were flown to the International Space Station, while four identical boxes were kept in controlled conditions at the Johnson Space Centre.
The boxes came back to earth after varying lengths of time in space from just 13 days to 28 months, and were checked for effectiveness.

‘A number of formulations tested had a lower potency after storage in space with consistently higher numbers of formulations failing United States Pharmacopeia potency requirement after each storage period interval in space than on Earth,’ the study said.

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Just posting this because I personally thought it was interesting and wanted to share.

The article states that NASA believes weaker gravity and more exposure to radiation "could be" the reason these drug's effectiveness are weakened whilst in space. Being this is ATS....

I am curious if any of you have any postulations that would be an alternative to NASA's research as to what may be the cause for the effectiveness of these drugs to lose their potency?

This article raises a question in my head...

What do Aliens take when they have a headache?

I am sure it has to be some sort of Analgesic

Sorry...couldn't resist the richness of that one.

reply to post by UberL33t


I would have to say a magnetic treatment would do the job just fine as any other drug

Interesting thread im rather suprised they lose there effectivness so quickly. Makes me wonder how a host of illegal drugs and alchahol would fare up there.

Interesting topic op star and flag for you

reply to post by UberL33t


just to clarify - the drugs DO work in space - they have radically shortened shelf lives - there is a difference

They need to build a better shelf.

Take along a bottle of cayenne tincture and add a couple drops in orange juice (or Tang) and the drugs absorption can be improved 2 to 3 hundred percent. Seriously, when my dad gave me a glass of 'hot OJ' I was hesitant that it would taste good, but it was fantastic!

reply to post by Illustronic

They need to build a better shelf.

quoted for truth

also - like so much ` space technology ` - this will have benefits on earth too - the developments required to give drugs an acceptable space shelf life - will inturn lead to wider storage tolerances for drugs on earth - eliminating some refrigeration requirements and giving far monger shelf lives etc

reply to post by ignorant_ape


Yeah, I didn't write the article or headline, just posted the information. I go on to say in the OP that the effectiveness thereof is what was in question. Not sure where the clarification is needed. I was more curious of NASA's reason, is that the only possible cause. Thanks for the clarification none the less.