In the context of pharmacy, what does 'NDC' stand for?

In the context of pharmacy, 'NDC' stands for National Drug Code. The National Drug Code is a unique identifier assigned to medications intended for human use. It serves several important purposes: it provides a standardized system for identifying drugs, helps ensure accurate dispensing and administration, and facilitates the tracking of pharmaceuticals throughout the supply chain. The NDC is composed of three segments that denote the drug's labeler, product, and trade package size, which allows for detailed identification of specific pharmaceutical products.

This coding system is essential for regulatory purposes, billing, and record-keeping within the healthcare and pharmacy sectors. It also aids in the management of drug inventories and the monitoring of adverse effects and drug recalls. Understanding the NDC is crucial for pharmacy technicians, as it is a fundamental component in ensuring patient safety and compliance within pharmacy operations.