You may have a drawer or closet that's stocked with nearly empty bottles of cough syrup or bottles of baby aspirin you can't remember the last time you opened.

We tend to save leftover pills and potions until our medicine cabinet is full of stuff we can't, or shouldn't, use anymore. But, you should think twice before opening that old bottle of medicine.

Cleaning out your medicine cabinet may not be on your to do list, but pharmacists with Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics say it should be done at least once a year. Keep in mind all products have expiration dates. Check the dates and when in doubt throw it out.

"Expired medications can loose their potency or effect on how well it treats your child," says Richard Ogden, Pharm. D, pharmacist with Children's Mercy. "The medicine can also break down to be a poison which can be an added detriment to your child."

He recommends tossing:

• Expired products including sunscreen and insect repellent.
• Old or partially used prescriptions
• Nearly empty bottles
• Broken or powdery pills
• Improperly stored items
• Items that aren't sealed

 "I also recommend parents look at the dosage recommendations three times before giving the medication to their child," Ogden says. "Once before you pull it out of the medicine cabinet, when it's out and check the directions one more time right before you give it to your child."

Ogden also recommends never repackaging medications. It's best to keep them in their original child-proof container so you'll have the expiration date and instructions on hand.