NDC
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | National Drug Code |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Medical, Science & Engineering |
NDC has two meanings. It stands for National Drug Code (pharmacy) or Nationally determined contribution (environmental).
Meanings of NDC at a glance
| # | NDC stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | National Drug Code | Medical › Pharmacy |
| 2 | Nationally determined contribution | Science & Engineering › Environmental |
1. National Drug Code
Medical · Pharmacy Abbreviations
Unique numeric identifier for every drug product marketed in the US, printed on the package and used in pharmacy billing and inventory. It has three segments identifying the labeler (manufacturer), the product and the package size.
Example: Scan the NDC on the vial to confirm it matches the eMAR entry.
NDCs are 10 digits on packaging in 4-4-2, 5-3-2 or 5-4-1 formats, but billing systems convert them to an 11-digit 5-4-2 format by adding a leading zero. The FDA assigns labeler codes and maintains the NDC Directory, and it has proposed moving to a uniform 12-digit format as labeler codes run out.
2. Nationally determined contribution
Science & Engineering · Environmental Abbreviations
Climate action plan that each party to the Paris Agreement submits and updates every five years, setting out its emissions-reduction target and adaptation measures. NDCs are set by each country, not negotiated, and are meant to grow more ambitious over time.
Example: The updated NDC commits the country to cut emissions 60% below 2019 levels by 2035.
Achieving an NDC is not legally binding, but submitting and reporting on one is. UN synthesis reports regularly find that combined NDCs fall well short of what is needed to limit warming to 1.5 or 2 °C. The 2025 round of NDCs set targets for 2035.
Related abbreviations
More pharmacy abbreviations
- NADAC – National Average Drug Acquisition Cost
- NAPLEX – North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination
- NCPDP – National Council for Prescription Drug Programs
- NDA – New Drug Application
- NF – Non-formulary
- NS – Normal saline
- NSS – Normal saline solution
- ODT – Orally disintegrating tablet
See all 134 pharmacy abbreviations →
More environmental abbreviations
- MPA – Marine protected area
- MRV – Measurement, reporting and verification
- MSW – Municipal solid waste
- NbS – Nature-based solutions
- NEPA – National Environmental Policy Act
- NOx – Nitrogen oxides
- NPDES – National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
- ODS – Ozone-depleting substance
See all 62 environmental abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.