INTERNATIONAL NONPROPRIETARY NAMES LIST (INN)

Overview

The International Nonproprietary Names (INN) list is a system managed by the WHO to provide unique and universally recognized names for pharmaceutical substances and active ingredients. These names are known as non proprietary or generic names and are intended to be used to ensure clear communication and avoid confusion in the identification of drug substances. This helps to avoid the use of multiple names for the same substance which can lead to confusion and errors. These names are used in pharmacopeias, labeling, product information, advertising, regulations and scientific literature.

The website and accompanying documents contain reference material on proposed and recommended names and chemical names and are a useful reference when creating the labels for pharmaceutical products. A searchable database has also been established and is available free with the creation of an account.

Link to Documents

LISTS OF RECOMMENDED AND PROPOSED INTERNATIONAL NONPROPRIETARY NAMES

Searchable Database: Log in to the site | SoINN