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Prescribing generic drugs using a generic name: Are we teaching it right?
1Associate Professor; Department of Pharmacology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, 575 001, India,. ashwin.kamath@manipal.edu.
Indian Journal of Medical Ethics
|July 31, 2016
Summary
Physicians should use generic drug names for rational prescribing, as mandated by the Indian Medical Council. Medical students learn to use non-proprietary names, like International Non-Proprietary Names (INN), in prescriptions.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Pharmacology Education
Background:
- The Indian Medical Council (Professional conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002, mandate the use of generic drug names for rational prescribing.
- Undergraduate medical students are educated on drug nomenclature, emphasizing the use of non-proprietary names (International Non-Proprietary Names - INN) in prescriptions.
Discussion:
- Physicians are ethically and legally obligated to prescribe drugs using generic names whenever possible.
- This practice promotes rational drug use and ensures cost-effectiveness for patients.
- Early introduction to generic nomenclature in pharmacology courses is crucial for future medical practitioners.
Key Insights:
- Adherence to generic prescribing regulations supports ethical medical practice.
- Understanding and using International Non-Proprietary Names (INN) is fundamental for medical students.
- Rational drug prescription is a cornerstone of quality healthcare delivery.
Outlook:
- Promoting generic prescribing can lead to significant cost savings in healthcare.
- Further education and reinforcement of these principles are necessary for consistent application.
- Standardization of drug nomenclature aids in global pharmaceutical communication and patient safety.
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