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What term describes drugs that are no longer usable due to age or damage?

  1. Misbranded

  2. Adulterated

  3. Expired

  4. Contaminated

The correct answer is: Adulterated

The term that specifically describes drugs that are no longer usable due to age or damage is "expired." This term indicates that the product has passed its intended shelf life and is no longer considered safe or effective for use. Expiration dates are established by manufacturers based on stability studies and indicate the time frame within which a drug is expected to maintain its potency and safety. Misbranded refers to products that have misleading labeling or packaging but does not specifically relate to the usability of the drug due to age or damage. Adulterated describes products that have been contaminated or compromised in quality, often due to improper storage, but it does not directly address the aspect of being beyond a usable date. Contaminated covers products that have been tainted by harmful substances or pathogens, which is a different issue than simply being past their expiration date or aged. In summary, expired is the correct term as it directly captures the essence of drugs that are unusable solely based on their age or damage.