National Drug Code (NDC)

A unique 10-digit, 3-segment numeric identifier assigned to medications and therapeutic products, providing a standardized code for identification and billing purposes.

 

Labeler Code:

The first segment of the NDC representing the manufacturer or distributor of a drug product, assigned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

 

Product Code:

The second segment of the NDC indicating the specific drug formulation, strength, and dosage form, distinguishing different versions of a drug marketed by the same manufacturer.

 

Package Code:

The third segment of the NDC identifying the package size and type of packaging for a specific drug product, helping differentiate various packaging presentations of the same medication.

 

FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration):

The federal agency responsible for protecting and promoting public health, overseeing the approval, safety, and labeling of drugs, including the assignment of NDCs.

 

Drug Classification:

The categorization of drugs based on their therapeutic use, chemical structure, or mechanism of action, providing a framework for understanding and organizing medications.

 

RxNorm:

A standardized nomenclature for clinical drugs, providing names and codes to enhance interoperability and exchange of drug information in electronic health records, linked with NDC.

 

Unique Ingredient Identifier (UNII):

A non-proprietary, unique code assigned to active ingredients in drugs, facilitating the identification and tracking of specific components in medication formulations.

 

Electronic Product Code (EPC):

A standardized identifier used in healthcare supply chain management to track and trace pharmaceutical products, helping improve efficiency and reduce errors.

 

Medication Dispensing System:

Automated systems used in healthcare settings for dispensing medications to patients, often integrated with NDC information for accurate and secure medication administration.