What does a drug contain that can lead to it being labeled dangerous or adulterated?

A drug can be labeled dangerous or adulterated primarily due to the presence of impurities or poisons within its composition. This concerns the safety and effectiveness of the drug. When a drug contains substances that are harmful or that significantly compromise its intended therapeutic effects, it is considered adulterated. Adulteration often occurs during the manufacturing process where contaminants can be introduced, or during storage when a product may degrade due to improper conditions.

The inclusion of impurities could also affect the purity and potency of active ingredients, leading to potentially harmful consequences for patients. Regulatory bodies, such as the FDA, focus on ensuring drugs are not only effective but also safe for public consumption. If a drug is found to contain harmful impurities or poisons, it fails to meet these safety standards, resulting in a classification of being dangerous or adulterated.

Other options like effective ingredients, list of side effects, or incomplete labeling do not directly correspond to the classification of a drug as dangerous or adulterated in the same way impurities or poisons do. Effective ingredients are essential for the drug’s purpose, while side effects are generally intended for labeling to inform about potential reactions, and incomplete labeling primarily addresses the information transparency rather than safety regarding adulteration.