What characterizes adulterated drugs?

Adulterated drugs are characterized by being prepared in unsafe environments and stored improperly. This definition encompasses the risks posed to drug quality and patient safety. When drugs are made in unsafe environments, there is a higher risk of contamination with harmful substances, impurities, or pathogens. Additionally, improper storage can lead to degradation of the drug, loss of efficacy, or harmful reactions, further compromising patient health.

The other options focus on characteristics that do not accurately reflect the definition of adulteration. Safe and sterile preparation environments (as mentioned in the first option) would imply a high standard of care, which is contrary to the concept of adulteration. The third option, suggesting that being made from organic ingredients is a defining factor, does not relate to the safety and sterility of drug preparation. Lastly, sourcing drugs only from certified manufacturers pertains to the quality assurance process but does not inherently prevent adulteration if the manufacturing practices are not followed appropriately or post-manufacturing conditions are not managed properly.