In a product's NDC number, which section identifies the manufacturer of the drug?

In a product's National Drug Code (NDC) number, the first five digits are specifically designated to identify the manufacturer of the drug. This section of the NDC is referred to as the labeler code, which is assigned to each manufacturer, repackager, or distributor by the FDA.

The labeler code allows for the unique identification of the company that produces or packages the medication. The NDC is formatted as a 10-digit number (though often presented in an 11-digit format), divided into three segments: the first five digits represent the manufacturer, the middle four digits represent the product code (which identifies the specific formulation and strength of the drug), and the last digit serves as a packaging code (indicating the package size or type).

Understanding this structure is crucial for pharmacy technicians, as it aids in distinguishing between different products and manufacturers in any supply chain, ensuring accuracy in dispensing medications and in inventory management.