Generic name

Generic name refers to the official, non-proprietary name given to a drug or medication. It is distinct from a brand name, which is the trade name under which the drug is sold by a particular company. The generic name is typically the active ingredient of the drug.

Overview

A generic name is a term in the field of pharmacology for the name of a drug or medication that is not protected by trademarks. It is different from a brand name, which is the name under which a drug is sold by a specific company. The generic name is usually the name of the active ingredient in the drug.

Importance of Generic Names

Generic names are important in medicine for several reasons. They allow healthcare professionals to communicate about the drug using a standard terminology, regardless of the various brand names it may be sold under. This can help to avoid confusion and ensure that the correct medication is given to patients.

In addition, generic names can provide information about the drug's pharmacological class or the condition it is used to treat. For example, drugs that end in "-pril" are usually ACE inhibitors, used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.

Regulation of Generic Names

The process of assigning generic names is regulated by international agreement and overseen by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO's International Nonproprietary Names (INN) system is used to create unique, globally recognized names for pharmaceutical substances.

See Also

• Brand name
• Pharmacology
• World Health Organization
• International Nonproprietary Names

References

Generic name Resources
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