What does NDC stand for in the pharmaceutical industry?

NDC stands for National Drug Code, which is a unique identifier assigned to medications by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States. This code is critical for accurately identifying drug products, enabling effective tracking, dispensing, and billing of medications. The NDC is a 10-digit, three-segment number, which includes information about the drug manufacturer, the specific product, and its packaging details.

The importance of the NDC in the pharmaceutical industry cannot be overstated, as it serves as a standardized reference that facilitates the distribution and regulation of pharmaceuticals, ensuring safety and consistency in healthcare. The code also plays a vital role in insurance billing and inventory management within pharmacies.

In contrast, the other terms listed—National Drug Classification, National Drug Catalog, and National Drug Commission—do not refer to established or recognized identifiers used within the pharmaceutical industry for tracking and cataloging drug products. Therefore, they are not applicable to this question regarding the meaning of NDC.