Two texts, in this reviewer's opinion, are outstanding in the presentation of nomenclature information in the drug field. They are not mutually exclusive. One is the subject of this review; the other is the Merck Index.
The American Drug Index, by virtue of its more frequent publication schedule, provides more nomenclature information on newer drug products. It identifies these products in terms of all designations ( nonproprietary names and trademarks) that have been brought into use. While not, as yet, fully implemented, a significant feature of the present edition is the identification of those nonproprietary names adopted as a result of formal processes ( USP, NF, or AMA, the latter covering names adopted by the AMA Nomenclature Committee or its successor the AMA-USP Nomenclature Committee).
The American Drug Index presents, in well-organized fashion, adequate information to permit identification of the listed drug products in terms of other existing names, manufacturer, and therapeutic