In an NDC number, which segment identifies the drug product?

• A. The first five digits identify the drug manufacturer.
• B. The middle four digits identify the drug product.
• C. The last two digits identify the packaging.
• D. The entire 11-digit sequence identifies the substance.

Answer: (B)

The NDC is organized into three parts that identify who makes the product, what the product is, and how it is packaged. The segment in the middle is the drug product code, which identifies the specific product from that manufacturer—it's the combination that distinguishes the particular drug, its strength, and its dosage form within that labeler.

The first segment identifies the manufacturer (the labeler), and the last segment identifies packaging (size or type). The entire 11-digit sequence combines all three parts to pinpoint a specific item, including its packaging, but when asked which segment identifies the drug product itself, the middle portion is the correct focus.