What information does the National Drug Code (NDC) provide?

The National Drug Code (NDC) serves as a unique identifier for drugs marketed in the United States and conveys essential information regarding the medication, including the manufacturer's identity, the specific medication itself, and the package size.

Each NDC is comprised of three segments: the first segment identifies the manufacturer, the second segment specifies the product, and the third segment designates the package size. This structured format enables healthcare professionals, pharmacies, and regulatory agencies to accurately identify and manage pharmaceuticals, facilitating effective communication and ensuring the safe dispensing of medications.

While other options suggest useful information regarding drugs, they do not pertain to the specific function and purpose of the NDC. For example, the NDC does not provide information on medication pricing, expiration dates, storage instructions, or individual patient dosage histories, which are critical but fall outside the scope of what the NDC is designed to convey.