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What does the term "dosage form" mean? A drug’s dosage form determines how the active drug will be introduced to the body.

Some examples:

Tablets – For oral use
Tablets (sublingual) – Dissolve under the tongue
Capsules – For oral use
Suppositories – To be typically inserted rectally or vaginally
Creams – Applied topically to the skin
Ointments – Applied topically to the skin
Gels – Applied topically to the skin
Needles and syringes – Used to inject medications
Nasal inhalers – To be sprayed in the nose
Oral inhalers – To be used orally
Drops – For opthalmic (eye) and otic (ear) use
Liquids – For oral and topical use
Transdermal Patches – Patches to be placed on the skin (transdermally)

	x
Lotrisone^® cream	Ventolin^® Inhaler (oral)


Ortho Novum 777^® birth control tablets	rectal suppositories

B-D Ultra-Fine^® insulin syringes and needles

What does "unit dose" mean? Unit doses are doses of medication that are individually packaged and labeled and are usually used in institutions and hospitals. A stock bottle may have 100 loose tablets in it while the same tablets in unit dose form will be individually packed in "blister packs".

Unit dose tablets in their "blister packs".

What is an NDC number? An NDC number is a number assigned to all prescription drugs. It consists of three different sets of numbers.

An example of an NDC number:

NDC 01254-2121-10

- The first set of numbers (5 digits) is the code for the manufacturer.

- The second set of numbers(4 digits) is the code for the drug and its specific strength.

-The third set of numbers (2 digits) is the code for the package size in which the drug is packaged.
Where can I find the NDC number? They can be found on the labels of the drug bottles and packages, in the computer, in order guides and on some printed prescription receipts. Sometimes, the middle digits of an NDC number are actually stamped into the tablets or printed on the capsules themselves.

Notice the NDC number in the top left corner.
NDC 0173-0661-01

Sometimes a "0" is omitted from one of the digit groupings. In that case, just add the omitted "0" when typing the NDC number into the` computer.
NDC 00173-0661-01

Why is the NDC number so important? Many different computer software programs use NDC numbers to locate specific drugs in their databases. NDC numbers are also used to cross-reference products and to check for accuracy. When billing insurance claims (electronically or manually), the NDC number is required by the insurance company. By referencing the NDC number, insurance companies determine which product they are providing payment for.

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