Case Studies
Nitroglycerin is prescribed by the healthcare provider, and Nitrostat was dispensed by the pharmacy. The patient tells you he is confused and wants to know what the difference means. What should you tell him? ____________________________________________________________________________
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Nitroglycerin is the generic name and Nitrostat is the brand name. A healthcare provider may order a drug by either a generic or brand name. A generic name allows the pharmacist to dispense from nonbrand name drugs. A drug only has one generic drug name but may have several brand names. For example, nitroglycerin has the other brand names of Nitro-bid or Nitrong. Although memorizing all the generic and brand names for drugs is not possible, be familiar with both the generic and brand names.