What is the difference between a medication's trade name and its generic name?

The difference between a medication's trade name and its generic name is that the trade name represents the brand name given to the medication by the manufacturer. This name is often used for marketing purposes and can vary for the same drug among different companies. The trade name is recognizable and intended for consumers, making the medication easier to identify in advertisements and on pharmacy shelves.

In contrast, the generic name is the official, common name of the drug that is not tied to any particular manufacturer and is used universally. The generic name often reflects the medication's chemical structure or the drug class it belongs to, providing healthcare professionals and patients with a standardized way to refer to the medication.