Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Practice Exam

What do the last two digits of a National Drug Code (NDC) number signify?

1. The manufacturer of the product

2. The product strength, dosage form, and formulation

3. The product's package size

4. The product's batch number

The correct answer is: The product's package size

The last two digits of a National Drug Code (NDC) number are specifically designated to indicate the product's package size. The NDC is a unique identifier for medications, consisting of three segments: the first segment identifies the labeler or manufacturer, the second segment identifies the specific product (which encompasses product strength, dosage form, and formulation), and the last segment indicates the package size. This structure helps healthcare providers and pharmacists easily identify not just the medication but also the specific details regarding how much of the drug is contained in each package, which is critical for dosage and dispensing purposes. Understanding the composition of an NDC is essential for accurate medication management and helps in maintaining records and inventories effectively.