What does the last two digits of the NDC represent?

The last two digits of the National Drug Code (NDC) specifically indicate the package size of the medication. The structure of the NDC is designed to provide a unique identifier for each drug product, which is crucial for inventory management, billing, and tracking medications within the healthcare system.

In the NDC format, the first segment identifies the labeler or manufacturer, the middle segment indicates the specific drug product and its formulation, and the last segment denotes the package size. This way, different packaging options for the same drug can be identified easily, ensuring that pharmacists and healthcare providers have the correct information when dispensing or prescribing medications.

Understanding the significance of the last two digits is important for ensuring proper medication administration and inventory control, as it helps differentiate between various presentations, such as the number of tablets in a bottle or volume in a vial, thus preventing potential errors in drug dispensing.