Where is the generic name written on a medicine strip?

On any medicine strip or bottle, the brand name is printed in large bold text at the top. The generic name (active ingredient) is printed in smaller text just below it, usually in brackets or preceded by 'Contains:'. For example, a Crocin strip shows 'CROCIN' in large text and 'Paracetamol IP 500mg' below it.

🔍 How to Find the Generic Name of Any Medicine in India

Q: How to find the generic name of any medicine in India?

5 ways: 1) Check the medicine strip — generic name is printed in smaller text below the brand name. 2) Search on Generic Medicine Finder at generic-med.org. 3) Ask your pharmacist. 4) Check the doctor's prescription — doctors should write the generic name. 5) Search online: '[brand name] generic name India'.

📅 February 2026 | ❓ FAQ | ⏱️ 3 min read

Quick answer: The generic name is printed on every medicine strip in small text below the brand name. Or simply search the brand name on Generic Medicine Finder for instant results.

Method 1: Look at the Medicine Strip

Every legally sold medicine in India must display the generic name on its packaging. Here's what a strip looks like:

CROCIN

Paracetamol IP 500mg ← This is the generic name

Manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline

The brand name is large and bold. The generic name is smaller, usually below it or in brackets. It may also say "Each tablet contains:" followed by the generic name and dose.

5 Easy Ways to Find the Generic Name

Use Generic Medicine Finder (Fastest)

Search any brand name on generic-med.org — instantly shows generic name + cheaper alternatives with prices.

Check the medicine strip/box

Look just below the brand name on the packaging. The generic name is printed there by law (CDSCO requirement).

Ask your pharmacist

Say: "What is the generic name of [medicine]?" or "Iska generic naam kya hai?" Any pharmacist can tell you instantly.

Check your doctor's prescription

CDSCO guidelines require doctors to write the generic name. If your prescription shows "Crocin", the generic name Paracetamol should also appear.

Search online

Google "[medicine name] generic name" or "[medicine name] active ingredient" — results appear instantly from drug databases.

Common Medicines and Their Generic Names

Brand Name	Generic Name
Crocin / Dolo 650	Paracetamol
Augmentin 625	Amoxicillin + Clavulanate
Thyronorm	Levothyroxine
Glycomet 500	Metformin
Omez / Omeprazole	Omeprazole
Allegra 120	Fexofenadine
Combiflam	Ibuprofen + Paracetamol

❓ People Also Ask

Is the generic name the same as the chemical name?

Not exactly. The generic name is the official International Nonproprietary Name (INN) — like "Paracetamol" or "Ibuprofen". The chemical name is the full scientific name (e.g., N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetamide for Paracetamol). For practical purposes, the generic name is what you need.

Why do doctors write brand names instead of generic names?

Habit, familiarity, and pharmaceutical company influence. CDSCO guidelines require prescribing by generic name, but enforcement is limited. You can always ask your doctor: "What is the generic name of this medicine?" and find a cheaper alternative.

Can the same generic name have many different brand names?

Yes. Paracetamol alone has 50+ brand names in India — Crocin, Dolo 650, Calpol, Metacin, Sumo, and many more. They all contain the same molecule. This is why knowing the generic name lets you compare prices and find the cheapest option.