How are Prescription Drugs Named

Prescription drugs typically go through a naming process that involves three key stages: chemical name, generic name, and brand name.

1. Chemical Name: This is the drug's scientific name based on its chemical composition and molecular structure. Chemical names are usually long and complex, and they are used primarily by scientists and healthcare professionals.

2. Generic Name: This is the drug's official medical name, which is shorter and easier to remember than the chemical name. The generic name is assigned by an official body, such as the United States Adopted Names (USAN) Council in the United States. This name is not owned by any company and is universally accepted and used. It's often derived from the chemical name and reflects the drug's chemical characteristics.

3. Brand Name: This is the trade name given by the pharmaceutical company that manufactures the drug. The brand name is used for marketing purposes and is protected by a trademark. A drug can have multiple brand names if it's manufactured by different companies, but its generic name remains the same across all brands.

The process of naming a drug is highly regulated and involves several criteria to avoid confusion with existing drugs and to ensure that the names are not misleading or imply a particular efficacy. For example, the USAN Council works closely with the FDA, drug manufacturers, and other stakeholders to ensure that new drug names are unique, do not look or sound like existing drug names, and are suitable for use by healthcare providers and patients.