What must be imprinted on each commercial oral tablet?

The requirement for each commercial oral tablet to have a unique identifying code is rooted in the need for safety, traceability, and efficient dispensing of medication. This unique code helps healthcare professionals and patients accurately identify the exact medication being used, including its formulation, strength, and manufacturer. It plays a crucial role in preventing medication errors, ensuring that patients receive the correct drug and dosage as prescribed.

Having a unique code also enables better tracking and management of pharmaceutical products through supply chains and can assist in recalls if necessary. This system of identification is particularly vital given the large number of medications available on the market, which may have similar names or packaging.

The other options, while relevant to medication safety and patient care, do not specifically fulfill the requirement for imprinting on each tablet. A patient's name is not imprinted for privacy reasons and is instead found on the prescription label. Expiration dates and warnings about side effects are important but are typically provided on the packaging or patient information leaflets, rather than directly on each tablet. Thus, imprinted unique identifying codes are fundamental for the clear identification and safety of commercial oral tablets.