Florida Pharmacy Technician Certification Practice Test

What does the middle set of digits on a national drug code number represent?

1. Manufacturer

2. Product name/strength

3. Package size

4. Expiration date

The correct answer is: Product name/strength

The middle set of digits in a National Drug Code (NDC) number specifically identifies the specific drug product, which includes the product's name, strength, and dosage form. This segment serves as a unique code describing the particular formulation of the medication, which is essential for differentiating between various products that may be manufactured by different companies or exist within the same therapeutic class. In contrast, other components of the NDC have distinct meanings: the first segment indicates the manufacturer, while the last set typically denotes the package size. The expiration date is not represented within the NDC format, which clearly distinguishes it from the numerical coding provided in the NDC. Understanding the structure of the NDC is vital for pharmacy technicians, as it aids in correctly identifying medications and their corresponding details.