What does the acronym "NDC" stand for in pharmacy terminology?

The acronym "NDC" stands for National Drug Code. This code is a unique identifier assigned to medications in the United States, allowing for the precise identification of specific drug products. The NDC is composed of three segments: the labeler code, which identifies the manufacturer or distributor; the product code, which identifies the specific drug formulation; and the package code, which denotes the package size and type. This coding system is essential for various aspects of pharmaceutical distribution, inventory management, billing, and regulatory compliance. It ensures that healthcare providers can accurately dispense and track medications, enhancing patient safety and facilitating record-keeping in pharmacies.