FDA NDC — Free National Drug Code Directory API (No Key)

TL;DR

The FDA NDC (National Drug Code) API from openFDA provides searchable access to the complete US drug product listing. Every prescription and over-the-counter drug marketed in the US has a unique 10-digit NDC identifying the labeler, product, and package size. You can search by brand name, active ingredient, manufacturer, or NDC number. The API returns product details including marketing status, dosage form, route of administration, and listing expiration date.

Quick start: https://api.fda.gov/drug/ndc.json?search=ibuprofen&limit=1

No API key needed — just make a request!

How to Use This API

1. Search by Drug Name

https://api.fda.gov/drug/ndc.json?search=ibuprofen&limit=3

2. Search by NDC Code

https://api.fda.gov/drug/ndc.json?search=product.ndc:0006-0107

3. Filter by Manufacturer

https://api.fda.gov/drug/ndc.json?search=openfda.manufacturer_name:Pfizer&limit=5

4. JavaScript — Drug Lookup

fetch('https://api.fda.gov/drug/ndc.json?search=aspirin&limit=5')
  .then(r => r.json())
  .then(d => {
    d.results.forEach(r => {
      const of = r.openfda;
      console.log(of.brand_name?.[0] || 'Generic', '-',
        r.active_ingredients[0].name, r.active_ingredients[0].strength);
    });
  });

5. Python — Get NDC Details

import requests

resp = requests.get('https://api.fda.gov/drug/ndc.json', params={
    'search': 'metformin',
    'limit': 3
})
data = resp.json()
for r in data['results']:
    print(f"{r['product_ndc']} | "
          f"{r['nonproprietary_name']} | "
          f"{r['dosage_form_name']}")

Try it: https://api.fda.gov/drug/ndc.json?search=ibuprofen&limit=2

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API Details

API URL: https://api.fda.gov/drug/ndc.json
Documentation: open.fda.gov/drug/ndc/
Category: Health
Authentication: Not Required
Geographic Coverage: USA

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is an NDC?: A National Drug Code is a unique 10-digit, 3-segment identifier for each drug product in the US. It identifies the labeler (manufacturer/distributor), product, and package size.
Can I search by active ingredient?: Yes, search by active_ingredients.name:acetaminophen to find all products containing that ingredient, including combination products.
How often is the NDC database updated?: The FDA updates the NDC directory daily as new products are approved and listed. The API reflects the latest data from the FDA's SPL (Structured Product Labeling) repository.
What is openfda in the response?: The openfda field contains normalized identifiers like brand_name, generic_name, manufacturer_name, unii (unique ingredient identifier), and rxcui (RxNorm concept ID).
Does it include OTC (over-the-counter) drugs?: Yes, the NDC directory includes both prescription and OTC drug products marketed in the US.

What You Can Build

Drug information lookup tool for healthcare apps
NDC barcode scanner web app
Formulary database for insurance applications
Drug interaction checker using active ingredient data
Pharmacy inventory management system