- A generic drug is defined as “a drug product that is comparable to brand/reference listed drug product in dosage form, strength, route of administration, quality and performance characteristics, and intended use.”
- It has also been defined as a term referring to any drug marketed under its chemical name without advertising.
- Although they may not be associated with a particular company, generic drugs are subject to the regulations of the governments of countries where they are dispensed.
- Generic drugs are labelled with the name of the manufacturer and the adopted name (non proprietary name) of the drug.
- A generic drug must contain the same active ingredients as the original formulation
- For example, Paracetamol, a painkiller, is a generic name for drugs such as Crocin and Calpol.