NAV

Drug Identification Number (DIN)

Synonyms:

  • DIN
  • DPD ID
  • Drug Identification Number

According to the Health Canada website:

A Drug Identification Number (DIN) is a computer-generated eight digit number assigned by Health Canada to a drug product prior to being marketed in Canada. It uniquely identifies all drug products sold in a dosage form in Canada and is located on the label of prescription and over-the-counter drug products that have been evaluated and authorized for sale in Canada. A DIN uniquely identifies the following product characteristics: manufacturer; product name; active ingredient(s); strength(s) of active ingredient(s); pharmaceutical form; and route of administration.

DINs are used throughout the products database and APIs. Drug products can be searched/accessed by DIN, allowing easy and fast retrieval of associated ingredients and structured drug interactions, indications, contraindications, and adverse effects.