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Unified Medical Language System® (UMLS®)

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RxNorm Current Prescribable Content Release Notes

October Release - 10/03/2011

This RxNorm Current Prescribable Content release is consistent with the 2011AA UMLS Metathesaurus release. For additional information about RxNorm releases, including scripts for loading the RxNorm data into Oracle and MySQL databases, read the RxNorm Documentation.

Data Changes

The October release includes a transformed and systematized version of the RxTerms drug interface idea, which organizes RxNorm drug names into additional forms useful for medication data entry. The RxNorm implementation includes three new DFG, SCDG, and SBDG (doseform group) term types. Some examples of these doseform group term type names include Nasal Product (DFG), Lidocaine Topical Products (SCDG), and Valium Pills (SBDG). SCDGs and SBDGs have attributes that list all of the strengths available at the SCD/SBD level. For example, the Valium Pills SBDG has attribute values for each of the three SBDs that this Semantic Branded Doseform Group includes - 2 MG, 5 MG, and 10 MG. SCDGs and SBDGs have relationships to each of their SCD/SBD counterparts. The corresponding SCD/SBD for each SCDG/SBDG will also have an ATN=RXN_AVAILABLE_STRENGTH attribute with only one value (ATV) for its particular strength. This addition to RxNorm is intended to be used with the Current Prescribable Content subset for easy-to-use displays in medication software applications. More information on these additions can be found in the RxNorm technical documentation, including a list of all DFG values.

This subset is in draft form and will change over time. We welcome comments on the content and format. Please contact us at: rxnorminfo@nlm.nih.gov

Data Counts

Term Type or AttributeNumber
Active GPCK forms 286
Active BPCK forms 358
Active SCD forms 15,493
Active SBD forms 10,220
Active RXNORM MIN atoms 1,489
Active RXNORM IN atoms 2,963
Active RXNORM PIN atoms 415
Active RXNORM BN atoms 6,331
Active RXNORM DF atoms 98
Active RXNORM DFG atoms 21
   
SAB=RXNORM NDC codes 233,636
Distinct SAB=RXNORM NDC codes 233,636

Last Reviewed: October 5, 2011