What is the total number of digits allowed in the NDC numbers on a pharmaceutical package?

The total number of digits allowed in National Drug Code (NDC) numbers on pharmaceutical packages is indeed 10 or 11. The NDC is a unique identifier for medications and consists of three segments. NDCs typically have 11 digits in the format of 5-4-2, where the first segment (5 digits) is the labeler code, the second segment (4 digits) is the product code, and the third segment (2 digits) represents the package code. However, the NDC can also be presented in a 10-digit format, usually when the labeler code is presented with leading zeros.

Understanding the NDC's structure is important for various activities, including drug identification, inventory management, and regulatory compliance. This dual format allows for flexibility in how NDCs are displayed, accommodating both systems that may require leading zeros and those that do not.