INN (International Nonproprietary Name)
Also known as: Generic name, Scientific name, WHO drug name, Active ingredient name
An INN is the universal scientific name for a medication, used worldwide regardless of brand names.
Last updated: 2 April 2026
Real-world example
You take Lipitor for cholesterol at home. In a pharmacy in Buenos Aires, nobody recognises 'Lipitor'. But when you show them 'atorvastatin' (the INN), the pharmacist immediately finds the local equivalent and you walk out with a month's supply in 5 minutes.
Why travellers need to know
Brand names for the same medication differ between countries, and pharmacists abroad won't recognise your home brands. The INN is the one name that works everywhere. Having your medication list with INNs rather than (or alongside) brand names means any pharmacist in any country can identify exactly what you take and find a local equivalent.
Country-specific notes
Japanese pharmacies use both INN and Japanese brand names
Japanese pharmacies stock medications under both international INNs and Japanese brand names. Showing the INN in writing (romaji or English) is significantly more effective than trying to pronounce a brand name. Japanese pharmacists are trained in INN nomenclature.
Frequently asked questions
How Nomedic helps
Nomedic stores your medications with both brand names and INNs, so any pharmacist worldwide can match your prescriptions from a single screen.
Your health records, anywhere you go
Your medication list, in a language every pharmacist speaks.
Free to start. No credit card required.