How is a "hazardous drug" defined in a clinical setting?

A "hazardous drug" is defined in a clinical setting as a drug that poses a risk to healthcare providers, patients, and the environment due to its potential to cause adverse health effects. This definition encompasses a wide range of medications that can be teratogenic, mutagenic, or carcinogenic, and possibly even cause organ toxicity or reproductive harm. The focus on risk highlights the importance of handling these substances with caution to minimize exposure and ensure safety in the healthcare environment.

Many factors, including the chemical properties of the drug and the potential for harmful effects, contribute to the classification of a drug as hazardous. This definition is crucial for the development of appropriate safety measures, such as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), proper storage, and specific disposal procedures to protect healthcare workers, patients, and the environment.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of what makes a drug hazardous. For example, simply being FDA-approved does not imply safety; numerous approved drugs carry significant risks. Additionally, while many hazardous drugs are prescription medications, not all hazardous drugs fall strictly into that category, and price has no bearing on whether a drug is categorized as hazardous or not.