Overview
This lecture explains the difference between generic and trade (brand) drug names, their characteristics, and how they appear on exams.
Generic vs. Trade (Brand) Drug Names
- The generic name is the official, non-proprietary name of a drug, not owned by any company.
- The trade or brand name is proprietary and owned/named by a specific company.
- Trade or brand names often include a trademark symbol.
- Generic names are always written in lowercase letters.
- Trade or brand names always start with an uppercase letter.
Examples
- "Ibuprofen" is the generic name (lowercase, not owned by anyone).
- "Advil" and "Motrin" are examples of trade (brand) names for ibuprofen (uppercase, company-owned).
Exam Relevance
- The NCLEX exam tests only on generic names, not brand or trade names.
- Generic names often have helpful prefixes and suffixes for identification.
Study Tools
- Pharmacology flashcards can help quiz yourself and identify knowledge gaps before exams.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Generic Name — the official, non-proprietary drug name, not owned by any company, always lowercase.
- Trade/Brand Name — the proprietary drug name, owned by a company, starts with an uppercase letter.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Study and memorize generic drug names, focusing on their suffixes and prefixes.
- Use pharmacology flashcards to self-quiz before exams.