PHARMACOLOGY

drug nomenclature

Drug nomenclature refers to the naming conventions used for drugs, which are typically established by regulatory agencies and professional organizations to ensure clarity, consistency, and safety in prescribing, dispensing, and communication about drugs. Here are the main aspects of drug nomenclature:

1. **Chemical Name:** This is the precise name that describes the chemical structure of the drug. It is often complex and not very practical for everyday use.

2. **Generic Name:** Also known as the nonproprietary name, this is the name assigned to a drug by an official body, such as the United States Adopted Names (USAN) Council or the World Health Organization (WHO). The generic name is typically simpler and is used universally to identify the drug.

3. **Brand Name:** Also known as the trade name or proprietary name, this is the name given to a drug by the pharmaceutical company that manufactures it. Brand names are often easier to remember and may be used in marketing.

4. **International Nonproprietary Name (INN):** This is a generic name for a pharmaceutical substance, as designated by the World Health Organization (WHO). INNs are intended to be globally recognized and used as a basis for the generic names assigned in national drug markets.

5. **Systematic Name:** A systematic name is a name that follows a systematic nomenclature system, often based on the chemical structure of the drug. These names are typically used in scientific contexts.

6. **Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) Name:** In the United States, generic drug products are approved under an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA assigns a unique name to each approved generic product, which is often a shortened version of the generic name.

7. **United States Adopted Names (USAN):** These are nonproprietary names assigned to drugs in the United States to provide a consistent nomenclature system.

It's important for healthcare professionals to be familiar with drug nomenclature to ensure safe and effective communication about medications.