Which statement best describes the difference between generic and brand drug names?

Which statement best describes the difference between generic and brand drug names?

• A. Generic names are not capitalized and relate to the chemical substance; Brand names are capitalized and more memorable
• B. Generic names are always capitalized; Brand names are not
• C. Brand names refer to the chemical composition; Generic names are marketing terms
• D. There is no difference between them

Answer: (A)

Generic names identify the active substance in a drug and are not capitalized; brand names are the trademarked, marketing names for a specific product and are capitalized. A single generic substance can have several brand names, while a brand name points to a particular product from a manufacturer. So the statement that generic names are not capitalized and relate to the chemical substance, while brand names are capitalized and more memorable, best describes the difference.

Generic names identify the active substance in a drug and are not capitalized; brand names are the trademarked, marketing names for a specific product and are capitalized. A single generic substance can have several brand names, while a brand name points to a particular product from a manufacturer. So the statement that generic names are not capitalized and relate to the chemical substance, while brand names are capitalized and more memorable, best describes the difference.