A drug product has an NDC number of 00025-2356-04. What does "00025" indicate?

The National Drug Code (NDC) is a unique identifier for drug products in the United States, and it is structured in three segments. The first segment, which in this case is "00025," specifically identifies the manufacturer or labeler of the drug. Each manufacturer or distributor is assigned a unique code by the FDA, which allows for easy identification and tracking of their products.

In this example, "00025" clearly indicates the specific entity responsible for producing or distributing the drug product. Understanding this component of the NDC is crucial for pharmacy professionals as it aids in ensuring the integrity and authenticity of the medication, as well as compliance with regulatory requirements.

The other segments of the NDC serve different purposes; the second segment identifies the specific drug product, while the third segment designates the package size or formulation. However, since the question focuses on the meaning of "00025," recognizing it as the manufacturer's identifier is essential for grasping the structure and function of the NDC system.