What is the official source for drug standards in the United States?

What is the official source for drug standards in the United States?

• A. British Pharmacopeia (BP)
• B. Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties (CPS)
• C. United States Pharmacopeia (USP)
• D. American Hospital Formulary Service (AHFS)

Answer: (C)

The question asks which organization establishes the official drug standards in the United States. The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) is the authoritative source, with its standards published as USP–NF to define the identity, strength, quality, and purity of medicines and ingredients. The FDA recognizes USP–NF as the official U.S. standards. The British Pharmacopeia serves the UK, the Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties is used in Canada, and AHFS is a clinical drug-information reference rather than an official standards compendium. So, USP is the correct source.

The question asks which organization establishes the official drug standards in the United States. The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) is the authoritative source, with its standards published as USP–NF to define the identity, strength, quality, and purity of medicines and ingredients. The FDA recognizes USP–NF as the official U.S. standards. The British Pharmacopeia serves the UK, the Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties is used in Canada, and AHFS is a clinical drug-information reference rather than an official standards compendium. So, USP is the correct source.