True or False: Teratogens only include prescription and illegal drugs and an over the counter drug cannot be a teratogen.

True or False: Teratogens only include prescription and illegal drugs and an over the counter drug cannot be a teratogen.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Over the counter drugs can be teratogenic
• D. Only prescription drugs are teratogenic

Answer: (B)

Teratogens are any substances that can cause birth defects or developmental problems in a fetus, and they’re not limited to prescription or illegal drugs. Over‑the‑counter medicines can be teratogenic as well, depending on the dose and timing during pregnancy. For example, high doses of vitamin A from OTC supplements have been linked to birth defects, and some OTC pain relievers can pose risks if used in certain stages of pregnancy. So the statement is false: OTC drugs can be teratogenic.

Teratogens are any substances that can cause birth defects or developmental problems in a fetus, and they’re not limited to prescription or illegal drugs. Over‑the‑counter medicines can be teratogenic as well, depending on the dose and timing during pregnancy. For example, high doses of vitamin A from OTC supplements have been linked to birth defects, and some OTC pain relievers can pose risks if used in certain stages of pregnancy. So the statement is false: OTC drugs can be teratogenic.