What condition may indicate that a drug’s strength or quality is compromised?

A change in color or appearance of a drug often signifies that its strength or quality may have been compromised. Medications are formulated with specific chemical compositions, which are stable within certain conditions. When a drug shows signs of discoloration, cloudiness, or any visible alteration from its original form, it can indicate degradation or chemical reactions that may affect its efficacy and safety. This could be due to exposure to inappropriate storage conditions, contaminants, or simply the aging of the medication.

In contrast, the other scenarios do not necessarily point to a compromised drug. For instance, a drug stored at room temperature may still maintain its integrity if it is within the range specified by its storage requirements. Similarly, being within the expiration date suggests that the manufacturer still guarantees the drug's potency and safety up to that point. A strong aroma is not a reliable indicator of quality, as it may be a characteristic of the drug itself or its formulation rather than a sign of deterioration. Thus, observing physical changes in color or appearance provides a clear, visual cue that warrants further evaluation of the medication's quality.