Drug identification number

Drug Identification Number (also known as DIN) is a unique identifier assigned to a drug product marketed under a specific name in certain countries. The Drug Identification Number is a regulatory tool used by health authorities to monitor and control the distribution and use of drugs within their jurisdiction.

Overview

The Drug Identification Number is a computer-generated eight digit number assigned by the Health Canada to a drug product prior to being marketed in Canada. It uniquely identifies all drug products sold in a dosage form in Canada and is located on the label of prescription and over-the-counter drug products that have been evaluated and authorized for sale in Canada.

Components

A DIN is composed of several parts:

• The manufacturer's code
• The product identification number
• The dosage form
• The formulation code

Purpose

The DIN is a means to track and control drug products for health safety reasons. It allows health professionals such as pharmacists, nurses, and doctors to identify the product, manufacturer, active ingredients, strength of active ingredients, pharmaceutical form and route of administration.

Regulatory Role

The DIN is also used by the government to recall products, to monitor distribution, to collect and analyze adverse reaction reports, to determine prescription status, and to monitor the use of the product.

See Also

• Pharmaceutical code
• National Drug Code
• Health Canada