What drugs are included in the scope of hazardous drugs under USP 800 and NIOSH guidance?

• A. Antineoplastic drugs
• B. Non-hazardous vitamins
• C. Routine analgesics
• D. Antibiotics not considered hazardous

Answer: (A)

Handling of hazardous drugs centers on substances that can harm healthcare workers through exposure. Antineoplastic drugs are classic examples recognized by both USP 800 and NIOSH because they are designed to kill or inhibit rapidly dividing cells and can cause cancer, birth defects, reproductive toxicity, or organ toxicity in workers if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Because of these risks, they require special handling, engineering controls, PPE, and procedures to prevent exposure.

Non-hazardous vitamins, routine analgesics, and antibiotics not considered hazardous do not fall under the scope of USP 800/NIOSH hazardous drug guidance, since they do not meet the criteria for hazardous drugs based on carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, reproductive toxicity, or significant organ toxicity at low exposure.