What is the National Drug Code (NDC) number used for?

The National Drug Code (NDC) number serves as a unique identifier for drugs in the United States, and its primary function is to provide critical information about the medication. The NDC is composed of three segments: the first segment identifies the manufacturer or distributor of the drug, the second segment specifies the product itself, including the formulation and strength, and the third segment denotes the packaging size.

This structure makes the NDC a valuable tool for various sectors within the healthcare system, including pharmacies, hospitals, and regulatory agencies. It allows for efficient tracking and management of medications, facilitating tasks such as inventory management, billing, and ensuring the correct drug is dispensed to patients.

The other options, while related to medication management, do not capture the primary purpose of the NDC. For instance, the NDC does not provide information about the drug's chemical structure or specifically track side effects or assign prescription fills to individual patients. Thus, the choice correctly highlights the comprehensive identifying role of the NDC in the context of pharmaceuticals.