Types of Names of Drugs

Question 1

1. Chemical Name

Answer 1

• chemical formula of drug
  long, difficult name to pronounce
  1st letter is not capitalized
  Example: n-acetyl-p-aminophenol

Question 2

2. Generic Name

Answer 2

• common or general name assigned to drug when it is marketed
  1st letter is not capitalized
  Example: acetaminophen

Question 3

3. Trade Name or Brand Name

Answer 3

• name given by pharmaceutical company
  copyrighted & used exclusively by company
  1st letter is capitalized
  symbol ® used to indicate it is a registered trademark
  Examples: Tylenol, Motrin