What does the NDC number identify?

The National Drug Code (NDC) number is a unique identifier for medications in the United States. It plays a critical role in the pharmaceutical industry, as it provides essential information about a specific drug product. The NDC number is typically composed of three segments that detail:

1. The labeler code, which identifies the manufacturer or distributor of the drug.

2. The product code, which identifies a specific drug formulation, strength, and dosage form.

3. The package code, which indicates the size and type of packaging.

This structured identification system allows healthcare professionals, pharmacies, and regulatory bodies to efficiently track and manage pharmaceuticals, ensuring proper dispensing and safety monitoring.

Other options, while they include important aspects of pharmaceuticals, do not accurately represent what the NDC number is specifically meant to identify. Product effectiveness and side effects, for example, are typically assessed through clinical trials and post-market surveillance rather than through a numeric code. Similarly, although active ingredients and fillers are crucial components of drug formulations, they are not directly represented through the NDC system. Lastly, the year of manufacture is not part of the NDC number; expiration dates and manufacturing details are usually found on product packaging or accompanying documentation.