What did the Drug Listing Act of 1972 mandate for all medications?

The Drug Listing Act of 1972 established the requirement for all medications to have a National Drug Code (NDC) number. The NDC is a unique identifier for each medication, which aids in the identification, tracking, and inventory control of pharmaceuticals. This system is important for ensuring accurate dispensing and promoting safety in medication management.

Having an NDC number allows healthcare professionals, pharmacies, and others in the medical supply chain to clearly and efficiently communicate about specific medications, reducing the risk of confusion and errors. It facilitates regulatory oversight and helps in the monitoring of medication use and safety across various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and retail pharmacies.

The other options, while important in their own contexts, were not mandated by the Drug Listing Act of 1972. Expiration dates, storage conditions, and specific labeling requirements for children are governed by different regulations and legislation, making the NDC number the central focus of the Act.