What is a generic drug name?

A generic drug name is indeed a true name that represents the drug's active ingredient. This name is typically derived from the chemical structure or the pharmacological properties of the drug and is assigned by an official naming body such as the World Health Organization's International Nonproprietary Names (INN) program.

Generic names are important because they provide a standardized way to identify medications regardless of the brand or manufacturer. This allows healthcare professionals and patients to communicate more effectively about medications. Unlike brand names, which can be trademarked and are often more market-driven, generic names are intended to describe the actual substance, ensuring that the name conveys useful information about the drug itself.

In contrast, the other options are less accurate representations of what a generic drug name entails. For instance, while a name given by the manufacturer is typically the brand name, a marketing term refers to creative branding intended to promote sales, and a code used for prescription would refer to internal or informal designations not understood beyond specific contexts.