Non-branded medications with similar effects are known as?

• A. Drug standards
• B. Generic drugs
• C. Purity
• D. Bioavailability

Answer: (B)

Non-branded medications with the same active ingredient and effect as a brand-name drug are called generics. Generics contain the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form, and route of administration, and they are designed to be bioequivalent to the brand-name product so they deliver the same therapeutic effect when used as labeled. Inactive ingredients may differ, which can affect appearance but not safety or efficacy in normal use. They are typically less costly because they don’t carry brand-name marketing, and regulatory agencies require that they meet the same standards for quality, safety, and efficacy. In practice, generics can be substituted for brand-name versions when approved as therapeutically equivalent because they work the same in the body.