Drug Naming

OTC Brand Name Confusion

Policy 0106

03/01/2001 Introduced
02/01/2006 Revised
12/01/2010 Revised

04/07/2015 Reapproved

AMCP is concerned that a distinct brand name on an OTC product does not always refer to the same active ingredient(s). This inconsistent relationship between brand name and ingredients may be confusing to some patients and may lead to medication errors and adverse events. AMCP believes that the naming approach should be changed to avoid this confusion. In conjunction with pharmacists, physicians, and other health care professionals, product names and packaging should be adopted and designed to minimize confusion and prevent adverse outcomes. 

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