South Carolina Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Practice Exam

What does the first four digits of an NDC number represent?

1. Package size

2. Manufacturer

3. ID of the drug

4. Dosage form

The correct answer is: Manufacturer

The first four digits of an NDC (National Drug Code) number are designated to represent the manufacturer of the drug. This part of the NDC helps identify the company that produces the drug and is essential for ensuring proper tracking, reporting, and inventory management within the pharmaceutical industry. By knowing the manufacturer, pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare providers can confirm the source of the medication, which is critical in maintaining quality assurance and safety in drug distribution. Understanding the structure of the NDC is essential for pharmacists and healthcare professionals as it helps them accurately manage medication dispensing and avoid errors related to drug selection and administration. The manufacturer identification can also assist in recalling specific products if safety issues arise, further emphasizing the importance of this part of the NDC number.