1.4: Drug Nomenclature

During the development of a new pharmaceutical, the manufacturer initially assigns a code name to the drug. Once approved, the drug receives a United States Adopted Name (USAN)—a generic, nonproprietary designation. Upon being listed in the United States Pharmacopeia, this nonproprietary name becomes the drug's official name. Additionally, the manufacturer assigns a proprietary name or trademark, which serves as the brand name under which the drug is marketed. It is worth noting that the same manufacturer may choose to market the drug under different proprietary names in various countries. Furthermore, multiple manufacturers may assign distinct proprietary names to the same drug. In such instances, nonproprietary names prove more useful, as they enable the identification of the drug based on its pharmacological class. Healthcare professionals often prefer nonproprietary names when prescribing medication, as doing so can save money and facilitate communication. To ensure the drug's consistent quality and therapeutic efficacy, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established bioavailability standards. Information pertaining to therapeutic equivalence evaluations is compiled in an official publication for reference purposes.

When a new drug is developed, the manufacturer assigns a code name to the drug. Once the drug is approved, it gets a USAN—a nonproprietary generic name.

This becomes the official name once the drug gets listed in the United States Pharmacopeia.

The drug is also assigned a proprietary name or trademark by the manufacturer, which becomes the manufacturer's brand name.

The same manufacturer can market the same drug using different proprietary names in different countries.

A single drug can have multiple proprietary names assigned by different manufacturing companies.

In such cases, nonproprietary names of drugs are more helpful as they identify the drug with its pharmacological class.

A nonproprietary name is preferred during prescription as it can save money and is easier to communicate.

To maintain the quality of drugs and desired therapeutic effects, the FDA has set bioavailability standards and information about therapeutic equivalence evaluation is compiled in an official publication.