Drug nomenclature Drug nomenclature describes different names used to identify a drug. Like one person is known by first name, sir name or pet name!
Chemical name
Non-proprietary name
Proprietary name
(Generic name?)@
(Brand name)
Name
Complicated
Simple
Very simple
E.g.
2-Diethylamino aceto-2',6'-xylidide hydrochloride.
Lignocaine
Xylocard
4-hydroxy acetanilide
Paracetamol
Crocin
International Union
USAN( United
Manufacturer
Named by
of Pure and Applied states adopted Chemistry (IUPAC) name) rINN(recommended International NonProprietary name)
Acceptance
Universal
With acceptions
Manufacture specific
(USA-Meperdine (India-Pethidine)
Usage
Rarely
Not commonly used
Very commonly used
Advantages
No ambiguity
Uniformity
Consistency in
Economy*
quality & Bio-availability**
@ Strictly speaking this term should not be used synonymously with Non-proprietary name of a drug. *If prescribed by Non-proprietary name pharmacist can dispense the least expensive drug. This discretion may be misused favor drug companies. **When bio-availability is important, particularly for drugs with narrow therapeutic range. Eg. Antiepileptic.
Questions: 1. Write briefly on drug nomenclature 2. Advantages and disadvantages of various names of drugs
MCQs:
1. 2-Diethylamino aceto-2',6'-xylidide hydrochloride is a a. b. c. d.
Brand name Code name Chemical name Non-proprietary name
Ans: ācā
2. Consistency in BA can be ensured by prescribing drugs by a. Brand name b. Code name c. Chemical name d. Non-proprietary name
Ans: āaā
P.S.Code name is usually given to a drug during research to maintain secrecy. It usually consists of numerical and alphabets. Eg. RO-1788 (Flumazanil)