What is the official name of a drug typically referred to as?

The official name of a drug most commonly referred to is the generic name. The generic name is the standard name assigned to a drug, which is not specific to any manufacturer and is universally recognized in the medical community. This name represents the active ingredient of the medication and is used across different brands and formulations.

Generic names provide a uniform way to identify medications and are important for healthcare providers to communicate effectively about treatments, ensuring there is no confusion about what medication is being referenced, regardless of the brand under which it is sold.

Other names such as trade name or brand name typically refer to the marketed version of a drug created by a specific manufacturer, and they can vary between companies that produce the same generic drug. Therefore, while trade names and brand names are important in identifying the commercial form of a medication, the generic name is essential for standardization in medical practice.