A unique, globally recognised name recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to identify pharmaceutical substances. Also known as a ‘generic’ name. Due to the excess of properties within a given substance, confusion may occur upon the identity of an active ingredient. INNs provide a standard name for each substance; which are designed to be unique and distinct so as to avoid uncertainty in prescribing.

See also:
Trademark
Generic medicine
International nonproprietary name (INN)
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)