Drug Name

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: ‘c’

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: ‘a’

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)