Drug naming, reference, and classification
Brand and generic drugs
The following sections discuss the four drug names, along with the difference between a brand-name drug and a generic drug. When the medical assistant updates a patient’s medication record and assists with preparing prescriptions, knowing trade and generic medication names is critical in preventing errors.
Drug names
A single drug may have up to four names: chemical, generic, official, and brand. Not all drugs will have four names, but ibuprofen is an example of a drug that does.
- Chemical name: Represents the drug’s exact chemical formula. For example, the chemical name of ibuprofen is 2-(4-isobutylphenyl) propanoic acid.
- Generic name: Assigned by the US Adopted Names (USAN) Council. Similar medications are given similar-sounding generic names. All drugs need to have the generic name on the packaging. For example, ibuprofen is a generic name.
- Official name: Used to list the medication in the United States Pharmacopeia and the National Formulary (USP–NF). This book provides the standards (e.g., strength, purity, and so on) for drugs in the United States. In many cases, the official name is the same as the generic name. For example, ibuprofen is also the drug’s official name.
Brand name or trade name: The manufacturer assigns and registers the medication name. No other company can use that name. Usually, the brand name begins with a capital letter and is followed by the registered sign (®). For example, brand names of ibuprofen include Advil and Motrin.
Generic versus brand medications
If you ever walk through the pain medication aisle at a local store, you will see many bottles of ibuprofen products. Generally, the more expensive products are name brands, and the less expensive products are generic.
The company that initially created the medication will market it using a brand name. That company has sole rights to manufacture the medication until the patent expires. During this time, it is not uncommon for the price to be higher. The manufacturer may have spent years developing the medication before it went to market. Once the patent expires, other companies may create their own version of the medication. Some will market the medication under a brand name, and others will use generic names.
Inactive and active ingredients
When a company creates a medication, the company determines the appearance of the medication (e.g., color, size, and shape). It also comes up with the inactive ingredients or additives. This might be a color, sweetener, flavor, fillers, binders, and so on. For the active ingredient of the medication (e.g., ibuprofen), the company must comply with the regulations of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The active ingredient must be of the same quality, purity, and amount as any other FDA-approved ibuprofen product of the same strength.
Most people do not notice a difference between generic and brand-name medications. Other people do notice a difference. Their bodies may react to the inactive ingredients differently. This can affect their treatment for certain conditions. The provider can indicate if a generic medication can be used for prescriptions. This is important to keep in mind if you are assisting a provider by preparing prescriptions.
Drug reference information
A medical assistant is obligated to become familiar with the drugs that are most frequently prescribed in the department. It is essential to know their indications, adverse reactions, administration routes, dosage, and storage. Using drug reference information can help the medical assistant learn about drugs. In the ambulatory care environment, drug reference information is available in both print and digital forms.
With each drug (including drug samples and stock medications), the manufacturer includes a package insert. The package insert provides information about the medication, side effects, administration techniques, dosages, storage, and so on.
Drug handbooks provide condensed, more common information on the drugs. Many of these books are organized by the generic names of drugs.
The Prescribers’ Digital Reference (PDR) has replaced the Physician’s Desk Reference. This digital product contains a comprehensive collection of package insert information. The PDR is available as an app and is also integrated with electronic health records. More information can be found on the PDR website (www.pdr.net).
The digital drug reference information has a huge advantage over print information. Digital information can be updated more quickly and easily than print information. The market for digital drug information has grown over the years. Digital drug reference information is available online, through apps, and with electronic health records.
Online drug reference information is available from many sites. It is important for the medical assistant to use reliable websites. Government websites (e.g., https://medlineplus.gov/ and www.fda.gov) contain updated, reliable information. Sites that patients use may contain older information and can include medications that are not available in the United States.
When selecting an app for drug reference information, be sure it is routinely updated. Read the reviews and research the company providing the information. Only use reputable apps for drug reference information.
Many EHR software programs incorporate drug reference information. This makes it easy for healthcare professionals to look up drug information.